t 



i 



i 







Glass lL 

Book 



. 



Director 1 s Off ice 
Council of National Defense 

No. 1. 



Dec. 12, 1°18. 



DAILY DIGEST OF RECONSTRUCTION NEWS 



U, S, Congress 






1. Senate adopted resolution by Sen. Spencer of Mo, requesting 
P„M^G, to inform Senate if information can be asked by rela- 
tives and received by cable as to welfare of officers and 
menc over seas, from whom no word has come for six months* 

2*(a)House passed Rep. Sherley' s bill Dec. 11, providing for 
transportation for Washington government employees whose 
service are no longer required. Covers all civilian em- 
ployees receiving compensation at rate of $1400 or less com- 
ing here since April 6, 1917. 
(b)Repc Sherley states that rapid reduction of force of 60,000 
war workers necessary for economy, efficiency and comfort. 



War Department 



1» Pres. r 'ilson } , as Commander-in-Chief of Army, directs that 
officers and men of U.S.A. who failed to reach fighting 
front are entitled to wear silver chevron similar to that of 
geld authorized for service overseas* 

2» All women telegraph operators being trained and held in 

this country for service abroad ordered dismissed, Dec, 11 ,1918- 







U, S. Navy 



Treasury Department 
War Risk Insurance 



Sec. Daniels stated Dec. 11 that 350,000 men will be required 
to man Navy during coming year. Says that process of reduc- 
tion will be carried through as rapidly as expedient. 



Work being speeded to hasten distribution of allotment and 
allowance checks to soldiers' and sailors' families by 
Christmas, Turning out 140,000 checks a day* 



Dept . of Agr , 



Report for 1918 states that with a total value of 
$12,27 2,412,000 the Nation's principal farm crops this year 
were worth more, based on prices paid to farmers Dec. 1, than 
any year in history of American Agriculture. Increase in ;i-. 
acreage over 10,000,000, Food promises to Europe to be fulfill 
ed next year. 



Dept. of Comnerce 1, 



! 



2, 



Sec, Redfield asks heads of industrial bureaus of War Indus- 
tries Board to form a board of industrial advisors to act as 
"informal ambassadors" of industry in its relation to the 
department , -^ 

In annual report Sec, Redfield asks (a) entrance salaries 
for clerks in Department increased from $900 to $1200 (b) 
urges expansion of foreign and domestic bureau. Lays empha- 
sis on desirability of employing trained economists, statis- 
ticians, experts in banking, shipping, etc. 



i J 






j i o ... •:. 



:)•• :■■• lit :vj;\'j. ■■■ - --■ 



LIBRARY Of CONGRESS 

APR111921 

>OCUMENTS olON 



' 1 - - - ; 



•X.. r 



' . CS <? i 






1 



I No * 1. 



- 3 - 



Dec, 13, 1918. 



Labor Dept , 
Employment Service 



To concentrate industrial forces in Washington in furnish- 
ing employment to returning soldiers, sailors and marines 
a bureau will be organized by the U. S, Employment Service 
in Washington through which all welfare, civic and other 
local bodies may obtain help, 



U. S, fi, R. Admn. 



Director Gen McAdoo recommends to Congress Dec« 11, 
extension of period of government control of railroads, 
for five years from Jan. 1, 1919. 



V 



^ar Industries Board, w"» I, B» announced Dec. 11 that Government supervision 

over steel industry and steel price fixing will end 
Dec. 31st « 

Federal Reserve Board Directors of Federal Reserve Banks 6f the class chosen 

by Federal Reserve Board, reelected Dec. 11 for 3 years. 



Trade Relations 1* 



* 



a 



2. 



After- the -war trade pdssibilities of the U, S* with 
South and Central America were pointed out and emphasized 
by John Barrett, Dir. Gcjn, of Pan-American Union, in 
address before annual convention of Southern Commercial 
Congress^ Mr, B, said that there was no question whatever 
that trade possibilities of U. S, in twenty countries of 
Central and South America are now more inviting than those 
offered by any other section of the world* 

John Hays Hairmmond stated before Southern Commercial 
Congress Dec. 11, that extension of foreign trade is ad- 
vantageous,, He said, "Native races have secured great 
benefits both moral and material from the establishment 
among them of foreign enterprises. The more business we 
do with the outside world, the more business the outside 
world must do with uSc n 



Aviation 



In annual report Maj . Gen, ^'m. M, Kenly, Dir, of Military 
Aeronautics, states that "as a matter of aerial statistics, 
fatalities in American training are less than half as 
large'as those of other allied countries," Development 
essentially sound. • 



Convent ions 



1 



American Jewish Congress will convene in Phil. Dec. 15, 
to consider means of obtaining political and religious 
freedom for jews throughout the world. 






i^L-. ,-« 



:i - . . 



.is 1 ' ■. 

i ..■'..■:■ 



1 .A 



.v : ; 



. I ; . : , ; 






. ■ :.J 






i . ■J , < 4 



( 



I 



v 



Director's Office 
j noil of National Defense Dec. 13, 1913. 

No. 2. DAILY DIGEST OF RECONSTRUCTION NEWS 

U. S. Congress 1. Representative Zihlman of Maryland introduced bill Dec. 12, 

asking appointment of "Reconstruction Commission" to study 
post-war problems and recommend principles of uniform legisla- 
tion for all tne States so as to harmonize conflicting interest 
equitable to labor, employer, producer and consumer. 

2. Investigation by tne Senate Education Committee of subjects 
calculated to improve public, social and industrial conditions, 
especially as they relate to employment and labor difficulties 
authorized by Senate Dec. 12, 1913. 

3. House members oppose bill to authorize $1,500,000,000 to allied 
governments. 

4. Senate adopted Reed resolution ordering work stopped on Union 
Station Plaza war-housing project, also suspended all govern- 
ment housing projects under Dept. of Labor's Housing Corpora- 
tion which are less than 75 c /» completed. 

tBar Dept. 1. Definite plans for reorganization of Ifor Dept. and General 

Staff embodying experience gained in war soon to be ready for 
presentation to Congress. Will suggest abolishment of old 
bureau system, with centralizing of both authority and respon- 
sibility in general staff. 

2. To prevent unnecessary accidents War Dept. ordered Dec. 12 
- that there should be no "fancy flying" than 1,500 ft. 

3. Discharged soldiers who do not wish to continue payments on 
Liberty Bond subscriptions made through Army organizations will 
have payments already made returned and subscriptions cancelled. 

Navy Dept. 1. Sec, Daniels appeared before House Merchant Marine Committee 

Dec. 12, in behalf of administration bill for permanent govern- 
ment control of all radio communication, tnrougn acquisition 
by Navy Dept. of all shore wireless stations "not to be con- 
founded with a proposition for general government ownership oi 
public utilities." "Radio communication stands apart," said 
Sec. Daniels* 

2. (a)In annual report Adm. Taylor shows that through nigh power 
wireless plant at Annapolis and stations built by Navy in 
France, provision had been inade which could keep U. S. in 
touch with Europe even if cables were cut. 

(b)Striking achievements noted in development of radio outfits 
for naval air craft. 

(c)Recomi.snds higher salaries of civil employees of Aircraft 
Bureau. 



I 



No. 2. 



Dec. 13, 1918. 



1 



Treasury Dept. 1. 
Liberty Loan 



Soc. McAdoo inti-ated that next loan may be $5,500,000,000 ana 
tnat next issue will be in snort terra bonds, with maturities 
running from five to eight years. 



Interior Dept. 



Sec» Lane, in annual report, gives details of reconstruction 
program. Plan in two parts: 

a. Development of arid, swamp, and cut-over lands to provide 
farms for returning soldiers. 

b. Improvement of public school systems to provide for Amer 
icanization of foreign born citizens and education of 
illiterates; also teaching of trades. \ 



Commerce Dept. 



"Resources and conversion Section," and "Conservation Division 
of War Industries Board to be turned over to Department of Com- 
merce. 



P. 0. Dept. 



P.M. Go made public Dec. 12, letter from Theo. N. Vail, announc- 
ing invention and development by technical staff of Bell System 
of a "Practical system of multiplex telephony and telegraphy, 
by use of whicn it is possible to increase manyfold the message 
carrying capacity of telepnone and telegraph wires." 



Labor Dept. 



1. 



I 



Sec. 

a. 



b. 

c. 



Wilson, in annual report, recommends: 
Establishment of a centralized labor administration by 
U. S. for adjudication of all labor disputes, with estab- 
lishment of administrative machinery for adjudication of 
di spute s . 
Eight hour day 
Elimination of profiteering, etc. 



2, Miss Mary Van KLeeck, Director of Women in Industry Service, 
asks cooperation of all industries of tne nation in which 
women are employed in observing a set of standards governing 
the employment of women in industry. 

U.S. R.H. Adm. 1. Five year plan discussed by U. S. Senate 

2. U. S. R. R. Admn. announces that it has no intention of re- 
ducing wages of railroad men. 

American Red Cross 1. H. P. Davison sails for Paris on Monday on summons of Pres. 

Wilson. 

2, Red Cross announces that it is now developing an organization 
which will be in position permanently to carry out its peace 
program, 

3. "Roll Call" name for organized effort to be made by Am. Red. 
Cross during week of Dec. 16 to 23, to enroll every adult Amer- 
ican as member of organization by paying $1 annual dues. 



I . .'...*. > 



V 



. - . .-.' 



Id 



2. 



-3- 



Dec. 13, 1918. 



) 



I. M, C. A. 1. At national conference of Y. M. C. A. secretaries in con- 

junction with members of National War Council, two most 
important resolutions adopted were, "Give every returning 
soldier, sailor »nd marine a three-inonths membership card 
free, upon presentation of his discharge papers." 

2. iiiiployment offices of Y. M. C. A. will be tnrown open to 
returning soldiers and sailors and every effort made to 
find positions for them. 



Railroads 



1. Chairman of Association of Railway Executives, T. DeWitt 
Cuyler gave out statement Dec. 12 from Philadelphia pro- 
testing against McAdoo's five-year extension pl»n- 

2. U. S. Railroad Committee of U. S. Chamber of Commerce held 
conference in Washington at which W. D. Hines, Asst. Dir. 
Gen. of R. R. Admn. explained situation in connection witn 
five-year extension. 



• 



Finance 



Bankers express concern over floatation of fifth Liberty 
Loan, devoting attention to presenting it to individuals, 
in order to prevent necessity f or large bank purcnases. 



Trade Relations 



Freedom of the Seas 



At Southern Commercial Congress Convention, S. X. Constan- 
tinidi representing the Minister of Finance of Greece, said 
that Greece furnishes a wide field of action for all kinds 
of remunerative enterprises. 



Viscount Grey defines meaning of term, and British policy 
under peace. 



Conventions 



' 



1. Southern Commercial Congress approves vide program at 
joint assembly on agriculture, finance and ship building, 

2. Washington to be se^t of next Convention of Southern 
Commercial Congress. 

3. National organization for Public Health Nursing endorsed 
by Secretaries Baker and Wilson, Surgeon Gen. Blue, and 
Miss Julia Lathrop, who emphasize importance of securing 
increasing number of public healtn nurses. Convention 
to be held in Cnica^o, Dec. 12, 



( 



I 



) 



Director's Office 
Council 01 National Defense Dec. 14, 1918. 

Wo. 3 DAILY DIGEST OF RECONSTRUCTION NEWS 



U. S. Congress 1. Senate considered War Revenue Bill Dec. 13 to extent of pro- 
viding measures designed to raise $522,500,000 of ' 
$6,000,000,000 estimated for next year. 

2. Budget extimates of salary increases for Federal employees 
laid before House Appropriations Committee, Dec. 13, for all 
government agencies tend toward upward revision, Sec. Wilson 
asks that minimum salaries for all but assistant messengers 
be $1,000; specified other amounts. National Federation 

of Federal Employees urges flat increase of $360 a year for 
all employees. 

3. Chairman Moon of Post-Office Committee introduced resolution 
to House Dec. 13 that telegraph and telephone lines become 
permanent government-owned utilities.. 

4. House Military Committee favorably reported bill Dec. 12 or- 
dering payment of a month's pay for gratuity to all American 
soldiers and the giving to discharged men their uniforms. 

5. (a) Charge of "criminal negligence" against Bureau of War Risk 
Insurance made by Rep, Rucker of Mo. Dec, 13. 
(b) Rep. Mann also renewed declaration that injustice is being 
done men in uniform, especially those sick and wounded, thru 
not receiving pay. 

War Dept. 1. Army officials assured Congress that every possible effort -is 

being made to pay off wounded and sick men who are being per- 
mitted to go home, 

2. Sur. Gen. Ireland told Senate Military Committee Dec. 13 that 
signing of armistice resulted in cure of 2,000 among 2,500 
American soldiers in France suffering from snoll shook, "The 
greatest experience in psycho-therapeutics knovvn," ne said. 

Navy Dept. 1. Sec. Daniels announced Dec. 23 for great naval pageant to cel- 
ebrate return to home waters of first ships of the American 
Armada sent to Europe to combat German sea-power. 

2. Rear Ad. Seaton, Schroeder, Chief of Naval Hydrographic Office, 
in annual report asks for construction of buildings adapted to 
full needs of Bureau. Necessity for absolute independence of 
foreign sources for maintaining supply charts and sailing di- 
rections demonstrated by war. 

3, Adm. McGowan, Paymaster Gen., says, in annual report, "The 
developments of the year in the observance of the fundamental.; 
and the new experience gathered in the use of the war-time 
powers have made the store of purchasing knowledge and records 
so complete as to warrant tae statement that Navy Purchasing 
has become a -science." 



Wo. 3 



-2- 



Doc. 14, 1918. 



War Dept. 



Treasury Dept. 
W.3.S. 



P. 0. Dept. ■ 1, 



War Trade Board 
U.S. Shipping Board 

U.S. Fuel Admn. 
Am. Red Cross 

Welfare Activities 



Conventions 



Foreign 



3. Ma j . Gen. Goetiials announced to Congress Dec. 13 that ships 

with an aggregate carrying capacity of 800,000 tons have been 
designated to be turned over by the Army Quartermaster Dept. 
to tne Snipping Board for return to trade routes. 

Program for 1919 announced Dec. 13. In general similar to 
that of 1913. New stamps go on sale Jan. 1. Indications 
are that 1913 sales will total about a billion dollars. 

P. 14. G. "appointed Board Dec. 13 for operation of telegraph 
and telepnone services under Government control. 

Two rural communities in Maryland nave organized "fa.rm-to- 
table" plan by means of P.O. motor truck service. 

Board announced Dec. 13 that applications vail now be consider- 
ed for import licenses, implying resumption of general trade 
with parts of Russia and Finland. 

Mr. Schwab stated Dec. 13 before Ohio Manufacturer's Assn. at 
Columbus that U. S. Emergency Fleet Corp. will have reached 
its stride during tne coming year and will be able to deliver 
between 8,000,000 and 10,000,000 tons of new shipping. 

Motion pictures as agency in aiding general coal conserva tion 
movement adopted by U.S. Fuel Admn. 

Geo. E. Scott, Gen. ligr. , announced Dec. 13, that American Red 
Cross will use no part of its I'-ar Relief Fund for benefit of 
people of central powers. 

Preliminary steps taken in Washington Dec. 12 for permanent 
organization known as Girls' Council of Washington. Purpose, 
betteruent of working conditions of employees. Y.W. C.A. , 
Y.W.H.A. , Catnolic Women's Council, Girl Scouts, etc., co- 
operating. 

1. All Jewish Congress will open Dec. 15 at Philadelphia, Will 
consider European Jewish problem in its various aspects, witn a 
view toward reconstruction period to follow war. 

2. Ukranian Congress of America, meeting Washington Dec. 13, 14, 
demands organization of an independent Ukrania. 

1. French Govt, places at disposal of U.S. all resources of Frenc.i 
educational systems for benefit of American officers and 
privates in France. 

2. Com. de Billy warns American public against "rushing to resume 
pursuits of peace," at Southern Commercial 6ongr6ss. 



< 



I 



Director's Office 
Council of National Defense Dec. 16, 1918. 

No. 4, DAILY DIGEST OF RECONSTRUCTION NET'S 



U, S. Congress 1, In slightly modified form Senate Dec. 14 passed the House Bill 

providing that transportation home shall he furnished temporarj 
workers who have been and are about to be discharged as a re- 
sult of close of war. The chief difference between Senate 
and House Bill is that former will grant privilege of free 
transportation to Jan. 15 instead of March 31, ^s provided 
by House Bill, 

2. (a) See* r ilson urged the completion of legislation to provide 
Useful and necessary public work for discharged soldiers and 
industrial workers before HoUse Rules Committee Dec. 14. Also 
stated that 
(b) No 1 reduction in wages can \>& Expected for a number of years 
because the demand for labor will exceed the country's supply. 

3* Rep. Steenerddh of Minn, declared Govt, ownership of wire lines 
"Gfave menace to a free government," in House Dec, 14, 

, 4, Rep« Black advocated return of railroads to their owners with 
a system of Federal incorporations, etc, Dec. 14, 1918, 

War Dept, 1, Abandonment of all construction work in progress at so-called 

"tent camps" ordered Dec, 14 by War Dept, Exception made in 
cases where shown that completion is necessary to interest 
or health of troops. 

2, Gen, March announced Dec. 14 Shat demobilization of military 
forces at home is gaining in momentum, with approximately half 
of the 17,000,000 men in home camps Nov. 11 specifically 
designated for early discharge, 

3, Pro. Marshal Gen, Crowder has asked 15,000 draft board members 
throughout U, S, to compile the chronicles of operation of 
selective draft, "The chronicles will form the most unusual 
•human interest' report ever gathered under government sanction 

4, In acknowledging offer of French Government to place educationa 
institutions at service of American officers and privates in 
France, Sec. Baker said "If it is possible to permit the troops 
in France to enjoy the advantages of French schools and college' 
the War Dept, will aid in the plan." 

Navy Dept, 1, Discovery of an inert non-inflammable gas officially termed 

"Argon" designated for use in balloons, dirigibles, etc., has 
just been revealed by Navy Dept, The use of this new element 
will eliminate hazard of fire and explosion, 

2. In annual report Ado. Palmer Chief of Bureau of Navigation Stat: 
that the great task now will be in furnishing 220,000 officers 



- ■ ■■ ' V - Sr**5 

7 .4 .-«•- J/i-'I, -J-V; 



(1 



< 



( 



fl! 



■J '■ 



Jo. 4. 



- a - 



Dec. 16, .1918. 



and men for the Shipping Board's Merchant Fleet, estimated 
to comprise 1,924 vessels by Dec. 1919, 

3* Gen. Barnett Corrmandant of Marine Corps recom ends in annual 

report that permanent peace strength of corps "be raised to 

31,500. Other recomnendations refer to storage facilities, 
quarters, etc. 



Treasury Department 
ty'ar Risk Insurance 



Rep. Treadway of Mass, at Committee hearing Dec. 14, criti- 
cized w ar Risk Bureau in calling for refunds from soldiers' 
dependents, where these payments were found not fully jue- 

1. tified, 

2, Sec, McAdoo has sent revised estimate to Congress recommend- 
ing increase of pay for Customs Inspectors to minimum salary 
of $5 a day. 



Interior Dept , 



Post Office Dept, 1, 



Commissioner Tallman, Gen, Land Office, states in annual report, 
that farms capable of immediate crop production for returning 
U e S« Soldiers must be found on other than Government public 
lands, ^hile there are approximately 225,000,060 »ct*s of 
available unreserved public lands practically none is ready for 
plow. 



P.MoG, announces new schedule in telegraph rates for night 
messages between offices within the U. S. to become effective 
Jan, 1, 



Corrmerce Dept 



Economic effect of loss of Alsace-Loraine to Germany discussed 
by financial editor of Berliner Tapeblatt t Ore, potash ^nd pe- 
troleum specifically and significantly mentioned, - Commerce 
Reports Dec, 13, 1918, 



Lpbor Dept , 1, 

?'ar Labor Board 



Children' s 
Bureau 



2. 



3. 



Sec. Wilson in annual report states that determination of ^ar 
Labor Board to apply the principles of Dept, of Labor in in- 
dustrial disputes has caused an increase in the number of cases 
that comes before it for adjudication, 

A survey made by Bureau shows that permits issued to children 
between 12 and 14 years in D. of C, because of poverty, were 
greater this year by 295 per cent than last year. 

Investigations by Dept. disclose discrepancies in salaries 
found in Washington between Federal and private employees and 
between different Federal departments. 



► 



_ t 



' 



,3 • . ' 



■1'l.i ... 

» ■"- ' , 
, it r ?•!■:;■ 






- - 1 



':.U^. 



» - £•- 



r r 



ti'i v.:'' 



. j. 



; :• x > . 



. j. sii 



.*> "• 



.• <•?. - 



No, 4„ - 3 - Dec, 16 s 1 918, 



4, Preliminary survey of industrial situation "by Department o.T 
Labor shows a million additional workers needed in factories, 
on farms and railroads of country* \ 

/merican Red Cross Miss Mable Boardman to confer today at D, C, Y.M.C.A, with 

far V; ork Secretaries from every camp in or near Washington 
to make plans for a Christmas Tree in every Y.M.C.A, hat 
and distribute gifts to men* For men in uniform not in 
camps there will be a tree and distribution of gifts in 
local Y.M.C.A. headquarters on Christmas Eve. 

Railroad Admn. Dir, Gen, McAdoo announced in telegram to St. Louis Merchants' 

Exchange and Chamber of Conmerce that the R« E, Adran, will 
carry out the Mississippi Barge Route project, 

^ar Trade Board ^ar Trade Board "to be continued for a time at least as agency 

of reconstruction period. There is no other body equips d 
with the organization and possessing the exact information 
to deal with the problems of over-seas commerce now arising 
and promising to continue to arise in increasing numbers* 
Article in ^ash. Star Dec. 15, 1918, 

J, S. Shipping Board Board urges in annual report that the program for the con- 
struction of vessels as modified to meet peace conditions 
should be carried through and should be extended, 

Education Georgetown University, Washington, D. C, is to establish new 

foreign service course. Purpose to prepare youths to fill . 
rrany opportunities presented by gowing trade of U;. S, ana 
participation in international affairs, 

Americanization Two men, Edwin Albion, of English birth, and Salvadore Cudir 

of Italian birth, are working together in D, C, to Americanize 
Italians and men of other races by organizing choruses of wel,. 
known operas in English among foreign speaking people. 

Housing American Civic Ass'n, in statement Dec. 14, protests against 

proposed suspension of construction on uncompleted government 
housing projects. 



v :'.-rj. 



•- o : * ii -.:< i 



". " " » i 



i - ; •■■•■■'• > 



:wi 












•;•. n. 



^ ■ 



- v . 



No, 4. 



- 4 - 



Dec. 16, 1918 



Women in Industry 



National Roman's Trade Union League, at meeting in New York 
Dec. 1«± made demands for increased representation of women or 
State and Federal Labor Bureaus. A program of reconstruction 
for working women was also adopted relating to standards, 
child labor, pensions, etc. 



Foreign 



Hundreds of girls employed at the Ministry of Food Registra- 
tion Clearing House, London; are receiving instruction during 
working hours for after war cOmmefCial dareer'S.. London Count 
Council has taken charge of their education in this connectio 



Conventions 



1. Among resolutions adopted at convention of International Ass 1 ' 
of Machinists, Washington, was one urging government to con- 
tinue all housing programs for war workers on grounds that 
there is a need for private homes near government shops* 

2. v. Conference of Governors opens today at Annapolis, Md» Secre- 

taries Baker, Lane, Houston, 1'iison will attend and discuss 
work of their departments. After war problems will be dis- 
cussed by Governors, 

3. Temperance workers comprising several important organi nations 
will hold meetings and discuss war time temperance, Monday, 
Tuesday and Wednesday of this week in '-'a S hington, D, C. 

4. Judge Julian Wi Ma,ck of Chicago elected president of First 
Jewish Congress ever held in America, Philadelphia, Dec. 15 » 



Director's Office 
ncil of National Defense Dec. 17, 1918. 

5 DAILY DIGEST OF RECONSTRUCTION NEWS 



S. Congress 1, (a) Sen, Gore, of Okla, has telegrapned Sec. Baker askirg him to 

discnarge quickly all oil field labor in the Army as a class, 
to take care of labor shortage he has found in Texas and Okla. 
(b) Sen. Gore also telegraphed P.M.G. Burleson asking him to join 
in request to Sec. of v !ax to cause discharge in a class all 
former postal employees now in Army. Need due to faulty 
postal service in Texas owing to sudden growth of oil towns. 

2. Conferees on Senate and House on bill to provide transpor- 
tation for war workers in government service reaoaed agree- 
ment yesterday. As rewritten in conference, the bill pro- 
vides for tickets home for workers released between Nov. 11, 
last and Febr. 20, next. Provisions of measure apply to 
employees receiving basic salary of $1400 a 3'ear or less. 

Navy Dept. Adin. Badger, Chairman of General Bo^-rd of Navy, advocated 

an American N^vy second to none in the world by 1920 before 
House Naval Affairs Committee. Stated tnat General Board 
has conceived plans for a six-year construction program wnich 
will bring Navy to that strength. 

Treasury Dept. In desire to cooperate with Treasury Dept., Merchants' ^nd 

Mfr.s. Ass'n. , Washington, issued general appeal to public 
to check tendency to use Liberty bonds in purchase of mer- 
chandise or for payment of bills. 

Interior Dept. 1. (a)Com. Tallman, of L^nd Office, in annual report deplores 

failure of government to recognise demand for comprehensive 
revision of salaries upward. 
(b)'. 'Notwithstanding the existence of conditions tending to di- 
vert the energies ^.nd industries of tne country into chan- 
nels other than those of town improvements and settlements, 
there appears to be no: diminuation in tne demand for town 
lots in government town sites," the report states. 

2. Increased appropriation for Government Hospital for Insane, 
St. Elizabeth's, asked by superintendent. Increase neces- 
sary by added number of patients due to war. 

3, In annual report, Com, Sells states that Indians now hold 
equivalent to one $50 bond for every man, woman and child 
of their race in tlie Nation. "Through it all a new view of 
life and his responsibilities is coming to tie Indian, " Com, 
Sells states. "He is a student of the rights of individuals, 
of Nations, and of international etnics." 



•;, i M ■ 



No. 5. 



- 2 - 



Dec. 17, 1918, 



P, 0, Dept. 



Ownership by the government of the telegraph and telephone 
systems of the Nation was characterized as "imperative" by 
P»M S G, Burleson yesterday in letter to Rep. Moon, Chairman of 
House Committee on Post-Off ice and Post-Roads. Mr. Burleson 
said the systems can be acquired "without the appropriation of 
a dollar from the public treasury" by applying to an amortiza- 
tion fund fDr twenty-five years the savings made under govern- 
ment ownership through elimination of duplication in plants 
and operating expenses. 



Agr . Dept , 



A winter wheat crop, larger by .80 million bushels than any 
yield in history of American agriculture, was forecast by the 
Dept. of Agriculture. 



Commerce Dept . 



Dir, Rogers, Bureau of Census, in annual report announces 
preparations under way for 14 census , to be conducted in 
1920. This will cover not only subjects referring to popu- 
lation, but of agriculture; including irrigation and drainage, 
manufacturers, mines, quarries, and oil and gas wells. 



Labor Dept » 



According to reports to U, S» Employment Service, approxi- 
mately 200,000 inexperienced men have become expert in motor 
truck work at front* ^ar has given them valuable training in 
new field, in which it is probable they will elect to continue. 
Found that so$e have been studying conditions in Europe with 
a view to possible formation of syndicates to handle trade for 
which they hope to create a market for motor trucks over there. 



Council of Nat'l Def , 
Field Division 



Legal aid offered returning soldiers and sailors through local 
legal committees of State Councils of Defense in cooperation 
with American Bar Ass'n, State Bar As&'n and "Bureaus for Re- 
turning Soldiers and Sailors" of U. S. Employment Service, 
Bulletin No. 12, supplemented by General Latter 37. 



U. S, Shipping Eoard 



Board recommends in report made public yesterday that there 
should be no halt in progress of ship building by Emergency 
Fl^et Corporation, at least until original plan of Shipping 
Board, somewhat modified by cessation of war, is completed. 
Function of Board outlined; goal in tonnage cited: contracts 
ovitlined, etc* 



3 ..v • '.' 
. > ... ., 



■ 



. .«• I j. ,' . 






"/•*. 



• ( ■ 



f. o ; . 



No. 5. 



-3- 



Dec. 17, 1S18 



R . R . Aduiii . 



Announced in Washington Star 4 Deoj 16 < that strong oppositio. 
to pla-n of Dir. Gen. McAdoo to e:Uend government dontrol of 
ra.ilvvd.ys until J&n, 1, 1^24, is expected from States 1 Railway 
& Utility Commissions. Understood that these bodies will 
suortnly com© to Washington and urge Congress to refuse asser 
to proposal unless it include a return of their suspended 
power. 



Nationalization 



Nationalization of Jews in whatever land they may reside 
and thc*t they be given the right of representation was urged 
at yesterday's sessions of American Jewish Congress as one 
of tne demands that should be pressed upon peu.ce conference 
in France. It was also proposed that the Congress call a 
permanent internatia al or universal congress to represent 
and act for the Jewish people throughout the world. 



Education 



KncourageL-ent or study of classics urged by American Acade- 
my of Arts and Letters in resolution adopted at meeting in 
New York yesterday. 



Housing 



At public meeting of women held in Washington last night, 
Mrs. R-ymcnd Robins, Miss V^nKLeeck, Rep. Rankin, ~nd other 
women spoke of serious problems confronting women workers 
during reconstruction. Meeting also adopted resolution 
against h^sty congressional action on bill to abandon 
housing projects. 



Director's Oifice 
Council of &j.tiorw.l Defense 



7o. 



Dec. 13, 1918 



DAILY PI GUST OF RECONSTR U CTION NF"S 



U. S. Congress 



Resolution introduced by Sen. McKell^r urging immediate 
disci:u_rge of officers and enlisted men of U. S. A. under 
certain conditions, including marriage, dependents draw- 
ing government pay, family illness, etc. 



St-te Dept. 



Pept. plc*ns to aid American business interests in de- 
veloping foreign trade in a large way and encourage "good 
will" essential to permanent foreign tr^de were explained 
yesterday to House Committee on Foreign Affairs. 

St-te Dept. intends to expand diplomatic and consular 
representation abroad so that U. S. will receive, as the 
largest producing nation, its legitimate snc*re of world's 
business. 



U. S. Navy 



Interior Dept. 



Dept. of Justice 



Commerce Dept. 



1. Captt H. Laning, Cnief Bureau of Navigation, stated be- 
fore congress that 200,000 men must be recruited next 
year to take places of men enlisted for war who will be 
demobilized. 

2. Date of Grand Review of American Fleet returning from 
Europe set for Dec. 24. 

Commissioner of Education P.P. Claxton, in annual report, 
present recommendations for increase in efficiency of 
f<*stgrowing federal educational bureau. Asks for appoint- 
ment of Asst. Commissioner. Report states tnat in pre- 
paration for reconstruction period several important 
studies nave been begun in i^his country and abroad, to 
nelp readjustment of nation's educational systems. 
Americanization, Community Centers, Education for Foreign 
Trade Needs covered in report. 

Instructions reached Wnite House from Pres. Wilson yester- 
day to make public report of Attorney General upon in- 
vestigation of Hog Island Ship Building Plant. Will 
possibly be given out within next day or two. 

1, Comprehensive reclassification of statistics of import 
and export corimodities being worked cut by Bureau of 
Foreign and Domestic Commerce in cooperation witn Customs 
Service, Snipping Board, War Trade Board, Tariff Commissi- 
si on ~nd otner governuenta-1 agents for submittal to Sec. 
of Commerce and Sec. of Treasury. Objects in view: 

(a) To give more logical arrangement to trade statis- 

tics 

(b) To facilitate botn r the tabulation and tne 

utilization of tnese statistics 

(c) To increase the comparability of import and export 

figures b", oaving a common classification for 
both. 



:fi ■■ ' 



No* 6. 



2 - 



Dec, 18, 1918. 



Commerce Dept ♦ 



2, Pres. v 'ilson approved by cable Dec. 17, recent recommendation 
of Sec, Redfield that business advisers be at cached to Ameri- 
can legations and embassies as-one of the government' s moves 
toward aiding American Manufacturers and Merchants in their 
after the war campaign for foreign trade* 

3, Sec* Redfield expressed optimism regarding business in U, S, 
before business readjustment meeting in Eoston Dec. 17, 

Stated belief that solution of controversies between 

labor and capital would be solved by large production 

which would make high wages possible. 
Told of government plan for sending men to Europe and 

all other parts of the world where Foreign trade of 

U. S. can be increased* 



(a) 



(b) 



Labor Dept 



1. Louis F. Post s Asst. Sec. of Labor addressed Washington Commer- 
cial Club Dec* 17 on reconstruction after the war* Urged 
collective bargaining as only solution of industrial problems 
confronting nation. Touched upon various important phases 
of capital and labor „ 

2* Geo, S. Bseby, Minister of Labor and Industries, New South 
^'ales, arranged conferences with Sec» Wilson for next two 
weeks. Purpose the study of labor matters in America, es- 
pecially methods of dealing with after-war industrial problems. 



Inter-Departmental 



To coordinate film work of various branches of government, es- 
pecially along line of post-war readjustment, an organization 
termed "Joint Committee on Motion Picture Activities of U, S, 
Government and Allied Organizations' 1 , has been formed, Purpose 
educational, Depts c of Treasury, Far, Navy, Interior, Agri- 
culture, Labor, represented on committee. 



U. S, Shipping Board 

1. 



Plans for continuing control of shipping through the Division 
of Operations of the Shipping Board after Jan. 1, 1919, when 
the "Ship Control Committee" will cease to exist, are taking 
place. 

Emphasizing fact that emergency conditions of war, which re- 
quire uninterrupted flow of supplies to Americans at front are 
not yet over, Board has issued appeal to Marine Workers 1 Affili. 
tion and operators of harbor craft in New York to submit their 
differences to the wage adjustment boards of Emergency Fleet 
Corporation, 



U» S. Food Admn, 



Reports received by U, S. Food Admn. acquaint American producers: 
with recent quotations for certain foodstuffs and feed abroad. 
Quotations in official Bulletin Dec, 17 show wide variance in 
different countries due to war! s interference with normal pro- 
duction and distribution. 



i . .: 






■• i- 



, •■ ' 



■ airt:. - - 3 



a 






I. 



■• ;i,i 



No. 6. 



Dec. 18. 191: 



U. S. Fuel Admn. 



AcUiiinistratior. announces that it hu.s witiid.rtj.wn supervisory- 
control over txie oil industry -aid that tiie voluntary restric- 
tions on crude oil prices and distribution and on refined oil 
will be lifted. 



Education 



Rt. Hon. H. L. Fisner, British Minister of Education, publicl, 
deprecates disposition now manifested in United Kingdom and 
United States to do away with teaching of German language. 
Believes that knowledge of German tongue is more necessary now 
than before the war. 



Demobilization 
Employment 



A comuittee of five, to be assigned the '.task of finding employ 
ment for D. of C. returning soldiers, will be n^med by Commis- 
sioner Bronnlow. 



Housing 



Henry Stirling, legislative representative of American Federa- 
tion of Labor, asks hearing of House Committee on Public Build 
ings and Grounds to present ple^ of 9,000 women employees of 
War R sk Bureau who would be adversely affected by abandonment 
of Plaza project. 



Women and Recon- 
struction 



At meeting of 200 Republican wo:.-.en tiie cooperation of wocen 
in all parts of country was sought in working out program for 
social and industrial reconstruction. 



Conventions 



1. Jewisn Congress declared for Jewish Commonwealth in Palestine 
under Trusteeship of Great Britain, acting on benalf of such 
League of Nations us may be formed. 

2. World pronibition predicted by Wm. Jennings Bry^n yesterday £■! 
Conference of Temperance Workers. International Pronibition 
Federation formed. 



\ 

Director^ Office Dec. 19, 1918. 

Council of National Defense 

No. 7. DAILY DIGEST OF RECONSTRUCTION NE'VS 



i 



U. S. Congress House Buildings Committie approved plans of Public Health 

Service for hospital construction, costing $10,000,000, 
Dec. 18. 

Treasury Dept. Sec. Glass issued statement Dec, 18 urging public to hold 

Liberty Bonds. Especially asks charitable organizations 
to refrain from making suggestions that they will accept 
Liberty Bonds or W. S.S. unless for endowment funds as 
permanent investments. 

War D?pt. 1. Sec. Baker stated Dec. 18 that v < r ar Dept. is pursuing fixed 

policy in denying promotion to officers on active service. 
Blanket order of Nov. 11, cutting off promotion in home ancl 
overseas forces, will not be modified, and only way in 
which officers who have been recommended for promotion can 
obtain advanced rank is through inactive list of officers' 
reserve corps. 

2. Under modified orders officers and men may be discharged at 
camps where now located provided they have married in that 
neighborhood and desire to live there, or have arranged to 
enter business open to them before joining army. Other- 
wise all troops will be sent for discharge to camps within 
350 miles of towns from which they entered service* 

3. Asst. Sec. Crowell designated by Pres. w ilson to take _ 
charge of disposition of all surplus supplies purchased. 
for Army since declaration of war. Will be sold in such 

way as not to distux'b business equilibrium. 

i 

4. Asst. Sec. Crowell states that Ordnance Bureau had achieved 
output of about 500 guns a month when armistice ended hos- 
tilities. 

Navy Dept. Sec, Daniels stated at Conference of Governors that (a) dt 

at least a year, possibly two years, will be required be- 
fore nation cm return to normal peace conditions. (b) 
"The Navy must be increased and strengthened, to enable the 
■» U. S. to contribute as many units u,s any other nation to 

an international police force, " 

Interior Dept. Sec. Lane urged Governors at Conference to do all in their 

power to keep state branches of Council of National De- 
fense from disintegrating. Emphasized Sec. B .iter's recent 
declaration that these local councils should remain in 
existence to cooperate with federal agencies, although not 
acting .<3 f3deral institutions. 



No , 7 , 



-2~ 



Dec. 19, 1918. 



Post Office Dept , 



Agriculture Dept 






1. Annual Post Office Appropriation Bill passed yesterday 
House with amendment requiring P.M.G. to use Army aviat 
for mail airplanes instead of organizing a separate fly- 
ing corps. Provisions of till direct that Sec. of r ar 
shall turn over immediately to P. 0. Dept. more than 200 
airplanes for extension of service. 

2. Air mail service between New York and Chicago "began Dec. 
18, as daily service. 

Bureau of Chemistry issues statement, Off, Bull., Dae, 1C 
concerning recommendations regarding importations of 
crude drugs to meet Bureau's difficulty in control of im- 
portation of certain pharmacopoeial crude drugs. 



Commerce Dept 



Labor Dept , 



Dir, Manning, Bureau Mines, in annual report, outlines 
contributions of Bureau to war, These include developme.. 
of chemical service; designing of delicate instruments; 
development of a number of new explosives and an increase 
in production of minerals, Thebe developments will make 
possible and probable post-war readjustments, 

1. Largest single call for labor received at U. £. Employ- 
ment Service since signing of armistice, received Dec. 15 
from Pa, R, R. Co., which asked for 8,500 men, 

2. Decision to postpone harbor boatmen's strike fixed for 
Dec. 19 after strike committee received notification of 
intention of '"ar Labor Board representatives to hold a 
hearing in N» Y, Saturday, 

3. Investigation of employment of soldier labor on construc- 
tion work at Camp Normoyle , Texas, by Dept. of Labor dis- 
closes fact that 300 soldiers replaced comrron laborers 
but no skilled men replaced. Camp commander stated he 
used soldiers both to save money for government and to 
give occupation to soldiers who desire employment while 
awaiting discharge. 

4. Complete scheme to reorganize department for purpose of 
carrying out Sec. ^'ilson's reconstruction program, and to 
do away with all war bureaus and services now rendered 
unnecessary, is being formulated by special committee 
headed by Asst . Sec. Post 

5. Resolution calling upon Sec. ^'ilson to secure slowing up 
of- war contract cancellations at Bridgeport munitions 
plants adopted Dec. 18 by ^'ar Labor Board. 



I V.l 



:l : 7 



-3- 



Dec.l»,lbl8 



Council of National Defense 
Field Division 



U. S. Food Admn. 



Snipping 



Conventions 



Foreign 



1. 



State Councils of Defense and State Divisions of tne 
Woman's Committee have been asked to establish, through 
tneir local organizations, information bureaus for return 
ing soldiers, sailors and war workers where data as to 
employment, legal assistance, financial aid and vocation*.; 
and social facilities may be obtained. 

Pci. id employees of all SWte, County and local Food Admin- 
istrators will be discharged January 1, and wll activities 
requiring paid staffs will be discontinued on that d-te. 
Voluntary workers and various food administrators will 
remain until Food Administration is dissolved as govern- 
mental agency' by President Wilson. 

Outlines of a national ship policy <~nd proposals for 
creation of new Cabinet Office, to be known as Secretary 
nf I/brine, will be considered at conference of shipping 
men, Washington, Jan. 22, 23, Call issued by Sen. 
Ransdell, President of Rivers and Harbors Congress. 

A bill of rights which it is proposed shall be in- 
corporated in organic laws of new and enlarged states 
that may be established as a result of war, adopted 
at final session of Anerican Jewish Congress, and will 
be presented to peace conference by nine delegates repre- 
senting Jews of U.S. 

Australian soldiers qualified for farm work each to be 
settled on block of land and receive advance of $2,500 to 
work it. land will be sold to men on thirty-year contract 
with privilege of paying for it earlier. Government 
will charge 4% for use of money. Announcement Dec. 18 
by G. L. Beeby, Minister of Labor and Industry tor New 
Soutn Wales. 



2. Mr. Beeby stated that soldiers not qualified for service 
on land will be taken care of otnerwise. Private 
employers have all agreed to take men back into service. 
Government positions temporarily vacated will be avail- 
able for soldiers wuen they return. In all cases 
government will provide for the men for 3 months after 
their return. 



( 



Director' s Office 
Oouncii of National Defense 

No. 8, 



DAILY DIGEST OF RECONSTRUCTION NET'S 



Dec, 20, 1918, 



"ar Dept» 



Interior Dept. 



1» Asst » Sec'y, Crowell stated Dec* 19 that retention of 

Proving Ground at Aberdeen, Md., and gradual development 
of government ordnance plant at Neville Island, Pa., are 
definite projections of War Department ♦ 

2, Sec* laker directs that each honorably discharged soldier 
be furnished with two scarlet chevrons to be worn on left 
sleeve of coat and overcoat respectively, 

P. P» Claxton, Commissioner of Education, has requested 

Y, M, C. A* Secretaries in all camps to designate men 

who will be discharged soon to go to college,, College 
year will be resumed Jan* L 



Commerce Dept* 1, 



2, 



3. 



4, 



Bureau of Standards in report states that recent expansion 
has been al^ng lines vital to success of war; also that 
many of these lines are of essential value to our indus- 
tries in peace , 

Supt , of Coast and Geodetic Survey calls attention in annual 
report to fact that there are waters of coming commercial 
importance along the coast of Alaska where absolutely no 
surveys have been made and that the surveys of the waters 
of California, Oregon and Washington have never been pro- 
perly completed. 

Bureau of Foreign and Domestic Commerce announces that it 
will shortly issue census of imports of chemicals during 
1914, Fork being continued under direction of Dr , E, B., 
Pickerell, Chief Chemist of U, S, Appraisers' Stores of 
Port of New York, 

Bureau of Foreign and Domestic Commerce announces increase 
in number of men necessary for work in Foreign field. To 
this end U, S, Civil Service Commission will hold examination 
Jan, 14, 1919, for clerks to Attaches of Commerce Dept, 



Labor Dept , 



National Enrollment Week of U, S, Boys' Working Reserve set 
for week of Bee, 23, 



R, R, Admn* 



Dir, Gen, McAdoo stated Dec, 19 that with an assurance of 
five years of government control of railroads, existing 
freight and passenger rates can be materially reduced within 
next calendar year without any reduction of existing railroad 
wage scales. 



•T Jill -'".V. 



i.O 






No. 8, 



- 2 - 



Dec. 20 > 1918 



U, S, Shipping Board Gen. Mgr, Piez of Emergency Fleet Corporation stated to 

Senate Commerce Committee Dec, 19, that Emergency Fleet 
Corporation will continue to build ships at present cost 
of construction. 

Far Industries Board Announcement made by Chemicals Division of W, I, B t of 

1. discovery of new substance to take place of platinum in 
the manufacture of sulphuric acid. 

2. W, I, B, announced Dec. 19 cancellation of all restrictions 
and orders of Board effective Jan, 1, 1919, and the with- 
drawal of all pledges made by industries at the instance 

. of Board, 

Federal Reserve Board Governor Harding of Federal Reserve Board, before House 

Banking Committee Dec. 19, urged immediate legislation 
authorizing increase of Federal Banks' surplus to 100$ of 
their paid-in stock. 



Federal Trade 
Commission 



W, B. Colver, Chairman, advocated before House interstate 
Commerce Committee, Dec, 19, stricter control of M^at Industry 
without government control of packing plants. 



American Red Cross 



Col. Wm, C, Sanger has assumed management of Potomac 
Division of American Red Cross to succeed Henry White, 



Y. M. C, A, 



Need Expressed for expansion of Y, M, C. A 4 Library for 
soldiers abroad. Immediate demand of men is for elementary 
technical books, 



Conventions 



National Colored Congress for World Democracy, Washington, 
Dec, 19, elected 11 peace commissioners to go to Versailles 
and present petition for the "abolition of all undemocratic 
restrictions against the race," Stated by Congress that 
400,000 American negroes are in war service, 



•J . . 




Director's Office 
Council of National Defense 

No, 9* 



2. 



Dec. 31, 1918 
DAILY DIGEST OF RECONSTRUCTION NEWS 



U. S, Congress 1. 



Rep. Sherley Chairman of House Appropriations Committee 
announced Dec. 20 that over $16,000,000,000 of cash 
appropriations and contract authorization voted by Con- 
gress for war expenses will be unexpended. 

Over 40 new improvement projects are included in 1920 
Rivers and Harbors Bill completed Dec. 20 by House Com- 
mittee. 



TSeasury Dept. 



First departure from established methods of granting 
credits to foreign governments made Dec. 20 by Treasury 
Department in connection with new credit in favor of Breai 
Britain. An additional credit of $250,000,000 made to 
British Government under agreement that BMtain let this 
Government have an equivalent amount in sterling for re- 
quirements of American Expeditionary Forces. 



War Dept. 



Sec, Baker stated Dec, 20 that over 300,000 troops have 
been demobilized in U. S. Announced that rate of dis- 
charge of 150,000 men a week has been attained. 



Navy Dept, 



Relatives and friends of soldiers returning on transports 
form 8verseas may communicate with them by wireless and 
receive answers to their messages, under a Navy Department 
agreement announced Dec. 20. 



Agriculture Dept. 



Dairy Division offers help to cities in improving milk 
supplies. All phases of city milk supply covered: in- 
spection; analysis; assistance in installations of lab- 
oratories and technique. 



Commerce Dept. 



Expansion of government facilities for promoting foreign 
trade urged in annual report of chief of Bureau of Foreign 
Domestic Commerce. Report states that it is matter of 
greatest urgency that Government increase its efforts to 
have trade built on sound ethical and economic foundations-- 



Council of National 
Defense 



At a meeting Dec. 20, of C. of N. D., composed of Sec- 
retaries of War, Navy, Interior, Agriculture, Commerce 
and Labor, Grosvenor B. Clarkson was elected Director 
of Council to succeed W. S. Giffordj. now comptroller of 
American Telephoneand Telegraph Co. The Council of De- 
fense system comprising nowmor^ than 180,000 units 
throughout the U. S. } has bejn held together for demobili- 
zation work. Recent telegraphic reports from State 
Councils of Defense assure practically 100$ cooperation 
in carrying out government's plan for reabsorbing sol- 
diers, sailors and war workers into peo.ce-time pursuits. 



V3 ", . i :i 



i .-a'. . *•* 




No. 9 



•2~ 



Dec. 31, 1918, 



U. S. Shipping Board As a result of conferences between E. N. Hurley -arid General 

Pershing plans have been perfected whereby approximately 
1,000,000 tons of shipping now used to supply American Army 
in France will soon be released for American trade. 



R. R. Admn. 



Aas'n of Railroad Executives announce completion of definite 
program calling for prompt return of railroads after the pas- 
sage of remedial federal legislation. Executives oppose ex- 
tending period of federal control beyohd 21 months after sign- 
ing of peace. Program to be submitted to Congress next month. 



War Trade Board 



Board announces' in new ruling that purchases for export may 
now be. made without restriction so far as concerns its previo\>.s 
policy with regard to obtaining licenses before making pur- 
chase or sale for export. 



War Industries Board 



Chrm. Baruch has named Chas . J. Brand chief Bureau of Markets, 
Dept. of Agriculture, to direct work of Wool Section of W.I.B. 
which will not have been completed when Board dissolves Jan. 1. 



Food Admn. 



Administration announces cancellation of all milling regular'. 
tions, including fair-price schedules and the prices and quan- 
tity restrictions on the sale of wheat flour by millers, 



Federal Board for Has issued monograph "What the Employers of America Can Do 
Vocational Education for the Disabled Soldier and Sailor". Aim of Board as express, 

in monograph not to secure "soft jobs" but to train and place 

men on own merits. 



Banking 
Civics 



Foreign 



Banks report return to "an even kesl" with release of bank em- 
ployees from war service. 

1. Citizens' Food Council of Washington, D. C. have perfected 
plans for creation of a central community Fo^d Storehouse from 
which all community buying centers may obtain supplies. P. 0. 
motor truck "farm- to- table" system to be utilized. 

2. Necessary protection of returning soldiers and sailors from 
"thieves and 'vamps 31 " considered at conference in New York 
Dec. 20 between government and municipal representatives. Pro- 
tection to be extended to all men in uniform. Asst. District 
Atty. of N. Y. stated at conference that "men and women thieves 
have been mobilized to see that no soldier with money escapes.' 

As a result of what is termed "a resolution in flax handling", 
growing of flax on extensive scale in Ireland now seams assurec 
Recently invented mechanical devices have lessened manual labc 
to extent of solving many former big problems of industry. 



■ 



ii, '5 



I 




Director's Office 
Councils of National Defense 

No. 10 



DAILY DIGEST OF RECONSTRUCTION NEWS. 



Dec. 23, 1918. 



War Dept. U 



2. 



3. 



Extract from statement by Sec. Baker regarding policy of 
War Dept, in relation to draft boards and return of sol- 
diers to labor opportunities: "Department is hopeful 
that draft boards throughout country will remain volun- 
tarily organized and associated, and as such continue 
their interest in returning soldiers, affiliating them- 
selves with employment representative of Department of 
Labor. 

According to announcement made Dec. 22 about 300 units of 
Reserve Officers' Training Corps, created by National De- 
fense Act of 1916, will be established immediately at as 
many colleges and schools. 

With its manufacturing program shortened to basis of 
peace Bureau of Aircraft Production now centralizing on 
task of auditing accounts and inventories of manufacturer^ 
contributing to the program, with view to speedy settle- 
ment, in order that contractors may return their plants 
in shortest time to peace production basis. 



Interior Dept. 



Geological survey announced Dec. 22 that unde& spur of wa: 
mineral production in U. S. reached unprecedented value ot 
$5,010,948,000 in 1917 exceeding by 43$ the previous rec- 
ord made in 1916. 



Post Office Dept. 



First Asst. P. M. G. announces reassignment to duty in 
postal service of employees absent on military leave, "At 
the salary to which they would have been automatically 
promoted had they remained in postal service, ...." 



Agriculture Dept. 



Pres. Wilson favors earliest possible resumption and ex- 
tension of highway construction under Federal Aid Road 
Act in letter to Sec. Houston. Published in Official 
Bulletin Dec. 21. 



Labor Dept. 1. 



2. 



Dept. issues statement outlining standards for employment 
of women in industries. Item: Since beginning of war, 
indications are that in numbers and proportions women have 
become increasingly important in industry. 

Federal Employment Service issues appeal to Washington 
business men to aid it in finding positions for war work- 
ers whose homes are in P. C. 



y. 



:::'. >x 



'if '■ ' 






5. 10 






■Dec. 



:o r 191d. 



U. S. R. fi. Admn. 



Dir. Gen. McAdoo estimates that demobilization of the Army 
will place upon railroads task of carrying approximately 
7,250,000 men. This includes transportation of both expedi- 
tionary and home forces to camps where they are to be mustered 
out, thence to their homes. 



U. S. Shipping Board Board reports that 300 applications a day are being received 

from soldiers of selective army wishing to enter Merchant 
Marine on discharge. 



War Trade Board 



Announcement made by board Dec. 22 that cargo space for all 
goods await i-ng shipment to South America will soon be available. 



Am. Red Cross 1. 



Before his return from Europe Henry P. Davison will attend 
conferences with Red Cross Officials of neutral and allied 
nations to discuss plans for closer coordination and a 
standardization of Red Cross work. 



2. Provost Marshal General Crowder states that in his opinion 
work of American Red Cross will be increased rather than 
diminished by arrival of peace. 



Demobilization 1. At annual convention of Toy Manufacturers of America at 

Bridgeport, Conn*, announcement made that thousands of 
crippled soldiers will be offered employment making toys. 

2. R. L. Livingstone, Chairman of Washington Community L»bor 

Board announces that returning soldiers who are not residents 
of D. C= will not be encouraged to stay in Washington, but 
will be passed on to their o'.vn towns, where local labor 
community boards will be expected to see that they are placed 
in positions! 



Reconstruction 
Great Britain 



"The difficulties which on the eve of the armistice appeared so 
very formidable have been found to be less serious than we 
expected, and the transitional period has not been so severe 
up to the prasent as most feared." Extract from speech of 
Winston Spencer Churchill, Minister of Munitionst 



Trade Relations 1 



Rep. La Guardia stated in speech at Lawyers ' Club, New York 
that America's great drawback in promoting trade with foreign 
lands has been lack of banking facilities. "There can be no 
stable trade until we see the need of local banks in every land 
we trade in, " he said. 



M 



n 



L :i 



No. 13 jji- Dec. 33. 1918. 



Trade delations 2. Organization of the North American Steel Products Corp) a 

combination of the larger independent steel companies, to 
advance their foreign trade, was formally announced in New 
York, Dec. 21, 

Aviation Aero Club announced Dec. 22 that an expedition, to be led by 

Capt. Robt. A. B,^rtlett, would be sent to Polar Regions next 
June to survey North Pole by airplane. 

Foreign Minister of Treasury of Pjru has submitted to Congress pro- 

posal to establish a Bureau of Commerce in his Department 
for purpose of handling increased demand arising from rapid 
growth of Peru's foreign commerce. 






i :'. :<s ■•■■:■ 
•>. : ... 



. .. . . ! • 




Director's Office 

Council of National Defense 

DAILY DIGEST OF RECONSTRUCTION NEWS 
No. 11 



Dec. 24, 1918 



War Dept. 1. Dept. announces that with the demobilization of the Students' 

Array Training Corps the Colleges of the U. S. will not give 
up their connection with military training, but instead will 
turn their attention to the Officers' Training Corps. 

2. Div. of Munitions contradicts statement widely published that 
Government intends to put on sale atoncfi all trucks and motor 
passenger cars not being used in service. All trucks owned by 
Government will be required in service for some time* 

3. Establishment of 8 major demobilization districts, to which 
men returned from abroad will be sent as units for discnarge, 
has been completed by War Dept. 

4. Sec. Baker states that War contracts totalling over 
$3,000,000,000 have been cancelled by War Dept. 



Labor Dept. 1. 



2. 



U. S. Employment Service announces that during week ending 
Dec. 7 jobs were found for 84,284 applicants who' registered. 
Women registrants numbered 17,350, and of these 13,054 were 
placed. 

Announcement made by Department that no more permits for im- 
portation of Mexican and West Indian Labor will be granted 
and permits already granted will be void after Jan. 15. 



War Trade Board 



Sweeping relaxation of restrictions on exports of foodstuffs, 
fodders and feed to Pan-American republics, Canada, Cuba, 
and West Indies was announced Dec. 23 by Chairman McCormick. 



Shipping Board 



Announcement made that Board has determined to discontinue 
work on considerable number of wooden steamers which are in 
early stages of construction and to cancel considerable number 
of contracts of vessels of this type on which work is not 
started. 



War Camp Community 
Service 



Service will open school in Washington Jan, 6 to instruct 
teachers in recreational work. Subjects will include com- 
munity programs in sociology, dramatics and singing. In- 
struction to be given by teachers of national repute. 






: ,'.■•..>. 



■I ;.: u~i . '. 



No. 11. - 2 - Dec. 24, 19} 3 



Conventions American Association for labor Legislation meets in Richmond, 

Va. , Dec. 27, 28, subjects will include:, Post-war problems 
such aa labor standards to be fixed in the peace treaty, ab- 
sorption of munitions workers and soldiers and sailors into 
industry, and adequate protection generally against unemploy- 
ment* 

Foreign I> Lucien Volin, said, in Chamber of Deputies, Paris: "We have 

mobilized 6,900,000 men, we have had about 1,400,000 killed 
while 800,000 recovered from wounds. We are going to de- 
mobilize 1,200,000 reserves, territorials and heads of familes." 

2. Consul Gen. Hurst at Barcelona, Spain, reports that the Spanish 
Institute of Civil Engineers has now been accorded the right to 
convene a Spanish congress of civil engineers in Madrid in the 
spring of 1919. Object of the congress will be the organiza- 
tion of Spanish civil engineers for mutual benefit and develop- 
ment of resources to enable them to compete efficaciously in 
large enterprises to be undertaken. 



. ■ - ■ 



' M ■ ■ . . •» 

. . ... 




Director's Office C/1 

Council of National Defense °ec. 26, 1918. 

) DAILY DIGEST OF RECONSTRUCTION NE^'S 

No, 12. 



Treasury Dept . Capital Issues Committee, especially created arm of Treas- 

ury Department for control of issues of new securities 
during war, will suspend activities Dec, 31, 

'"ar Dept, 1, Dept. states that salvage plants at camps and centonments 

throughout country are now going at full speed. 

2. Judge Advocate Seneral's office holds that federalization 
of National Guard for war service wipes out existence of 
National Guard. With discharge men return to civilian life 

t without obligation to federal or state governments in 

connection with National Guard service, 

3, Sec, Baker stated Dec. 24 "American soldiers will he re- 
turned to home with utmost speed possible.,,,,.., and they 
must not be released from camps penniless. ...... , Depart- 
ment has recommended that a month* s extra pay be given to 
each soldier as mustered out," 

\ 

Navy Dept, 1, Sec. Daniels has announced composition of Board of Selec- 

tion for the line of the Navy to meet in Washington Dec. 31 

2. Judge Advocate General of Navy stated in annual report: 

"Every effort is being put forth to decrease, in so far as 
may be practicable, proportionate number of trials by court 
a martial," 

Labor Dept. 1. Shortages of labor in East and South shown by weekly report 

of department. In middle West, ™est and Pacific Coast 
supply seems generally to equal demand with numerous sur- 
pluses reported, 

2, Statistics based on telegraphic reports from 41 states 
show that labor demands in factories and among private 
employers made known last week to department exceeded a- 
vailable supply of men and women looking for work by over 
100$. 

3, A new division for encouragement of building Operations 
has been created by department and will be in operation 
soon after opening of new year, Frank Morrison, Sec. of 
A, F, of L., said, in discussing plan, "Unless the people 
of U, S # awaken to necessity of at once encouraging build- 

I) ing operations, we will have bread lines in our industrial 

center before spring," 



K5IT37HTt ■ 



M. :: i: 1 in 



'. fj :. v - :. 



- '•' :. • 



. JiT.. : ; V: 

ft I : TfOf. 



i.'-iCl . i' 



i . ■ . ,; ■< 

■ 1. 



■ i* . . . 

;• • : .. ■ : 
... ■.•!: 



1JXS -i '...• 



■ -• 






frtiC . : ... 
■ ■:•>*; noi." 






,,! .T. 






.•••■ a . 
■jf... 



i ■■>>>- • ; 



■ ••.■ : .••.-.■ •.:.:.■.. - . -• 

. :4'J ■ v.; . : -TV- • :•. ,cf ■■: ." 

'Io ^Ji-BH .':.-,. ?j «/•> ■ ... »8 » s ." '..'? 



» 



No. 12. 



- 2 - 



Dec. 26, 1918 



U# S. Shipping Board 



Demobilization 



Announcemnet made by Board Dec. 24: "Time has arrived 
for discontinuance of bonus paid to officers and seamen 
for porte within war zone," 

That fighting men from overseas will be reinstated by- 
former employers in New York City is opinion based on 
investigation conducted by Committee of ^omen under Mrs. 



TW 



m. uay« 



2. New Jersey adopted a State policy Dec. 25 for finding 
employment or tra'ining for sons of state returning from 

war, 

3. New Jersey ag-eed on July 4, 1919, as date Of dedication 
of all memorials to heroes and for all celebrations. 

4.. Nearly .10,000 men honorably discharged from aviation ser- 
vice, at Mineola and Garden City, L* I,, reported Dec, 23, 
Transfer of 5,500 men also reported, 

5. Over 6,500 men and women laid off with only a few hours 
warning in two plants of Remington Arms Co. at Bridgeport, 
Conn., Dec, 23, 

6, Over 105,000 members of Canadian Expeditionary Force wish 
to take up farming in Canada after war. Out of 230,000 
members of force 43*9 per cent wish to go on land. Of 
these 74 per cent had had previous agricultural experience, 



Library ?ar Service 
of American Library 
Association 



Dr, Herbert Putnam, Librarian of Congress has gone to 
France to cooperate with other educational leaders in 
intensive campaign to amplify library resources of Ameri- 
can Expeditionary Forse, 



'.American Forestry 
Association 



1, Association urges permanent Community Christmas Tree "Get- 
Together Spirit" by planting trees in suitable location in 
cornntunities, 

2. Assn, furthering idea of memorial trees for soldiers and 
sailors. Reports that idea is gaining throughout country. 



> 



Director's Office 
Council of National Defense 

DAILY DIGEST OF RECONSTRUCTION V 
No. 13 



Dec. 27, lbO.8 



U. S, Congress 



1. Formulation of a. deiinite policy relative to furtner con- 
struction of ships and their cost in order to increase 
American Iferchant Marine to meet needs of U. S. urged 
during discussion of ship question in Senate Dec. 26. 

2. Speedier demobilization of army at hone and abroad agita + 
ed by members of Congress Dec. 26. 



Treasury De-.Dt* 



1. Sec. Glass issued statement Dec. 26 allaying confusion 
and misunderstanding regarding soldiers' insurance and 
compensation. 

2. Sec. Glass joins Chas. S. Hamlin, c iiru « of Capital Issues 
Committee, in warning public against worthless stocks and 
their dispensers. Mr. Hamlin states that- schools arebsii:*. 
established where salesmen are drilled in art oi dispose ;. , 
of worthless and fraudulent stocks. 



War Dept. 



1, Committee on Education of General Staff announces that 

Department will make equitable f inancialadjusWents tfith 
educational institutions which have suffered loss byreas^ 
of demobilization of Students' Ariay Training Corps. 



r 



2. Dept. announces auction sale of surplus army norses and 
mules to be held at various camps end cantonments during 
January . 

3, Immediate legislation authorising resumption of voluntary 
enlistment in the Army and repeal of provisions of Select- 
Service Act limiting enlistments to period of war, urged 
Dec. 26 by Sec. Baker to Cnrm. of House Military Committer 



Navy Dept, 



Sec. Daniels expresses deep interest in relief work amon£ 
Armenians , Syrians and other persecuted people by the 
American Committee for Relief in Ne^.r East. In letter tc 
committee Sec. Daniels states it as -lis belief tnat 
America will contribute to the $30,000,000 fund now bein 
raised to relieve the starving and dying. 



Dept. of Justice 



r> 



Dept* issued announcement Dec. 23: On recommendation of 
Atty. General the President has directed th»t on ^nd after 
Christies Day Atty. Gen. discontinue eniorcei.ient of all 
regulations affecting tne conduct of male ^.nd female 
German alien enemies except tnose restrictions which appl ; 
to entry into and departure f roi ■ the country and tnose 
affecting the power of interment. 



v . ■ ;.'Z. 






• .:.'. 



.. . A 



. 'A . ; ' ' . 



, .^ 






No. 13 



2 - 



Dec. 27, 1918, 



Agriculture Dept. 



Dept. recomuended to Congress Dec. 26 that legislation 
be enacted to :.:ake effective the wheat price guarantee 
for the 1919 crop, and at same tii.ie to safeguard the 
Government against losses. 



Conferee Dept. 



2, 



Total imports for Nov. 1918, amounted to $251,008,037, 
as compared with $220,534,550 in Nov. 1917. 

New York office of Bureau of Foreign and Domestic Com- 
merce has had on display substitutes used during war 
for cotton and wool materials. 



Labor Dept. 



U, S. Ei.iployi.ient Service has organized a Junior 3ection 
to nandle placement of workers between ages of 16 and 21 



U. S. Shipping Board 1. 



2. 



Sea Service Bureau will be official name of new agency 
of Board which will direct recruiting for Merchant Marine 
vessels operated by Board. 

Members of American Steamship Ass'n. took steps to obtair 
statement of immediate future policy of Shipping Board 
from E. N. Hurley, Chairman. Ass'n. urj ed acting chairmar. 
to cable Mr. Hurley regarding prospects of releasing 
requisitioned ships. 

Board has decided to create permanent world organization 
for purpose of handling government ' s tr_.de fleet with 
greatest effect! venessc Chrm, Hurley stated Dec. 2s tnat 
central offices will? be opened immediately in London, 
Paris and Rome. From these centers will be directed ter. 
or twelve other offices. 



War Trade Board 



1. Special consideration to trade with Alsace and Lorraine 
and a rapidly broadening program for trade with many 
nations announced Dec. 26 by Chairman McCormick. 

2. Mr. McCorLdck stated that general resumption of tr^de 
relations as now in prospect reaches from the the Arctic 
Ocean to the tropics. 



' 



I .. ' . 



- ■' l-i - r, . 



- 



No. 13. 



- 3 - 



Bee. 27, 1918. 



Federal Reserve Board 



Board announced Dec. 26 that Peruvian Government had 
agreed to establish exchange fund of $15,000,000 to pay 
for purchases of commodities made by U. S, merchants in 
Peru, Purpose, promotion of trade relations between U. S 
and Pernio 



U 4 S. Food Administration Physical damage in Belgium described in cable received 

from H, Hoover, who states that survey of Belgian situation 
is completed. "Belgium Government is rapidly taking hold; 
Belgian manufacturers engaged everywhere in rehabilitation 

♦ ,.»as far as possible , spirit of Belgium never better 

than today/' said Mr. Hoover. 

Washington headquarters of Commission for Relief in Belgiun 
announced December 26 that enlarged program had been laid 
out in response to Mr, Hoover's cable. 



Demobilization 

Foreign 



i 



Resume of plans "adopted and in contemplation" by France, 
Italy, Britain and Canada, as outlined in Washington Post, 
Dec. 27, 

(a) France has made provision to pay discnarged soldiers 
immediately upon demobilization sums ranging from 
250 to 410 francs, in addition to provision for 
dependents . 

Great Britain paying her discharged soldiers 38 days 
pay, plus 57 shillings to cover purchase of civilian 
clothing. Each unengaged man also given certificate 
of unemployment entitling him to privilege in every 
line of industry and labor, 

Italy formulating program as liberal as that of Fra..v 
Canada offering each home-coming soldier 160 acres c: 
land and cash advance of $2,500, 



(b) 



(c) 
(d) 



Foreign Trade 



Home Economics 



Conventions 



§ 



London now establishing agency which will display India's 
products to the world. Said that war has caused marvelous 
industrial strides in India. With introduction of Modern 
methods natural resources of country are being developed 
rapidly, 

Prof. Irving Fisher of Yale, Pres, of American Economics 
Assn., will speak on ^Stabilizing the Dollar in Purchasing 
Power," before Housekeepers' Alliance at special meeting 
held with Food Production and Home Economics Dept, of Coun- 
cil of Nat'l Defense, in Auditorium of Interior Dept. Build- 
ing at 4 p, m, Monday, Dec. 30, 1918, 

Order of "Red Mogen David" anglice Red Shield of David, wii: 
meet in Pittsburgh Jan. 1 to 5 to plan future work. Order 
founded for welfare work among Jewish legionaires who volun 
taered to fight under Gen. Allenby, and assist families of 

same at home . 



I 



I . 



:i..\ . 



."■• ■ ■< i 



(:.') 



-.jilrsl 



!: . .1 



! ■'.' 




Director' 3 Office I , December 28, 1918. 

Council of National Defense, -y 4-fy 

DAILY DIGEST oFiffiCONSHRJCTION NEWS 
No. 14. C 



U. Si Congress Rep. Britten, of Illinois, Republican, introduced resolution 

calling on Peace Conference to adopt Prjsident Wilson's plan 
for Leagjeof Nations. 

War Dept. Department reported to House Military Committee that 

(a) 68,000 American soldiers had been returned from overseas 
Dec. 21. 

(b) Over 500,000 in this country mustered out of Service 
before Dec. 27. 

(c) 32,000 officers have been released since signing of 
armistice. Largest number in ehemical section; fewest in 
medical. 

(d) Troop movements from abroad on ships controlled by U. S. 
limited to 160,000 a month. Department hopes to increase 
to 200,000 or 300,000. 

Navy Dept. Sec. Daniels announces purpose of discussing with Admirals 

Mayo and Blue plans which will keep officers more permanently 
on the various ships of fleet than has been possible during 
war. 

P. 0. Dept. P. M. G. has appointed Professor A. N. Holcomb of Harvard 

University and U. S. Bureau of Efficiency to serve on committee 
to consider standardizing rate sdiedules of telephone service. 

Labor Dept. Sec. Wilson has asked Governors of all states to cooperate with 
him in securing observance of week beginning Jan, 2® as National 
Enrollment Week for U. S. Boys 1 Working Reserve. Purpose, food 
production sufficient for requirements of world. 

U, S. Shipping 1. Commenting upon Chairman Hurley's statemant of Dec. 26, 

Board Baihbridge Colby member of Board, issued statement Dec. 27 to 
effect that dispatches from Paris that Board had decided to 
create permanent World organization for purpose of handling 
trade fleet "gave an incorrect impression", Mr. Colby explained 
that he felt incompleteness of Mr. Hurley's quoted remarks* made 
necessary r eassurance to American ship owners of governments 
attitude toward them. 

2. Board issues request for 2,000 young men to train for service 
in U.S. Merchant Marine. 






e^m 



J. J. v/C.'i.-.v 



yjl •: 






...I.; : .:/ i.:^L£:Ti :?^C;,.. .'1 OOflfis -.loO 1 t-06S«I no 'jfliXX ...o 



t.yi >•. 



„'...::• r-,ti j.:xioO vi. . SiXii-; r-urcH -J- XeJ". :>qt"l fr. :: . ;..:nc- 
■iiirvo ... 1'; Lf.-vii/tf- i ft. '>c X. .ri ..'J^i:i;X' ■•: . .ota*J.. OCX, U; 

rvlv"-;^ .. ;: *.:••;•. i %tj;2 v%ixiffC3 i-i::i ri C'JO,U0u t.vC (v) 

'; • ,' Ki;jgif. Bonis fcf-r.4*sXw nr-pc ■ vj>; srieoivto OQO,So (c) 
■-• •• 'i >;; .ttac-s XiioXsa-AS ni i*tfctorj J.-..', ■■■i. J .-.>:.. i Jr. bzi. • 

.X.'ii.:- 
i'jXX.inJaoa y.ri.'i .Uctjcu. iacj'. f y •/■••.•. vc.; v::oiT (J ) 

: >■<■. _. . tosaii* ,u"?ac.i; - 000, i . X oJ Xi-cJimiX 

.OOOjCCS ?a .00,00!'.: c.J 



• *: 



ih 



Xj».. siiasat. ir. \c 9B0:<:«iv xiojawMCUz r.ioin*-'- 1 ,e< 



■ ft- 



.-; r:.. ; :J ??-£!: k- ?., 






.i.r, < 






.-v.v 1.'. ..H':;. '■■ • .•' .'' ' ••■■' .+: ;■; -\.. 



,$m'. \i 



■x. -i.e.- Ka;: . • .- in ja«XJfl! ■ 

•- - jr.. -c ■,- iX"?c'' .'.--•ifu.. , ..rif ? c :■ &i; 
.* 'tTf'ja: iWj '\^y ?D^.Ci eiti" 
': -.. ■ •<. ?■: Ljxt^ai iX'-t • :\ 1* ' 






No, 14 



- 2 



Dec. 28, 1918 



War Industries Board 



B. M. Baruch authorizes full statement giving status of 
W; I< 3. to date. Tells of transfer ef various activities 
and unfinished work to War Trade Board and to otner 
governmental agencies. Official Bulletin - Dec. 26, 1918. 



Food Administration 



Officials stated as opinion that it is going to cost the 
U. S, Government, or public, at least $1 ; 000, 000,000 - 
possibly $1,250,000,000 - to maintain the guaranteed price 
of $2,20 a bushel for 1919 wheat crop. 



Export Control Comm, 



Committee reports for week ending Dec. 19 i.iovement of grain 
and grain products intended £oi consumption overseas contin- 
ued to marked degree, 



Demobilization 1 ( 



Work for all returning soldiers, retention by women of po- 
sition they won in industrial world and a continued shortage 
of farm help were predicted by speakers at meeting of >• . . 
National Council for industrial Defense held in New York 
Dec, 27. 



2, Intention of British Ministry of Food that when men are de- 
mobilized they shall be given special ration books contain- 
ing coupons for two weeks' supply of rationed foods. 



Reconstruction 1. 



2. 



Editorial in Washington Post Dec. 28 cites unique municipal 
reconstruction movement: To afford public relief, about 
600 merchants in Flint, Michigan, nave agreed to cut prices 
on food, clothing and other necessities to point of realiz- 
ing only moderate profit. Landlords of Flint alfeo agree to 
reduce rents lo'/o. 

President of Washington Chamber of Commerce has named Com- 
mittee to handle reconstruction problems in C. C. 



ii nance 



It Record trading reported in Liberty Bonds, New York, Dec. 27. 
Trading totalled $27,070,000, exceeding by a million dollars 
preceding record- volume, 

2, Report of Committee on War Finance read at convention of 
American Economic Association in Richmond, Dec. 27, dis- 
cusses various phases of financial situation and presents 
statistics. Among otner recommendations are: 

(a) The Federal Reserve authority should follow a less 
liberal policy in matter of rediscount and collateral 
loans for member banks. 

(b) Greater effort snould be made to discourage the 
"Borrow and buy" policy in the matter of Liberty 
Bonds. 

(c) Plan of stimulating gold production by means of 
government aid is to be deprecated. 



i • ... 



.1 

..1 



,./.' .;.■, 






n . 









r ;•.-•-, 



.. r 



•:.a. 



•;n ::.vr. 






".:..: -' 



' i ? 






1 ;..::-rr. 



. r 



?(.'. ■;•.;,.. 



r.o. 14 



- 3 



December 28, 1918 



"Banki ng 



At annual meeting of Bank of Montreal many reconstruction 
problems discussed. The president said: "Tne question of 
opening branches in foreign countries to participate in 
the business that may arise in connection with reconstructia 
requirements abroad is one that lias received considerable 

attention The U. S. .♦,.. may probably enter upon 

an era of unprecedented expansion and development." 



Education 



Recognition of college athletics and recreation as a de- 
finite part of academic problem of American institution of 
nigher .education was urged by Dean Angell'.of University of 
Chicago at opening session of National College Atnletic 
Association's annual convention, New York Dec. 27. 



Food Production 



According to statement of R. 17. Guss, Director of Junior 
War Garden Volunteers in Cincinnati, vegetables worth 
$58,000 were produced in Cincinnati school ani home gardens 
last seapono Gv.ss said campaign for 1919 "victory Gardens" 
was already well organized. 



League of Nations 



Lord Robert Cecil defines scope of league in correspondence 
with National Union of Railway Men. States that such league 
must revise obsolete treaties and should regulate traffic 
by air andsea, sanitation and even labor conditions. 



U. S. Navy 



Thee Roosevelt in newspaper article declare* tnat five of 
fourteen points should not be considered in peace negotia- 
tions. Takes issue with demand for largest Navy in the 
world > 



Conventions 



Simon Flexner of New York elected President of Aner. Asscd 
for Ad. of Science, now sitting in Baltimore. St Louis 
selected for next year's meeting, Feature of session of 
Dec. 27 was discussion of national prohibition from con- 
stitutional standpoint. Scientists told it subverts prin- 
ciple of local self government. 



Foreign 



Francisco Tudella, first Peruvian Ambassador to U. S. 
way to Washington. 



on 



■ ii ' • " ■, i'lVjijX 1 '. "X' r ■.'■'.'■' 

^» '-' ' At <,- Cj a. 4 *. ' , ' • ■ * - '• - J 

•- V- .' :'; -'.*.*i0* '.nr> '• -' • V*..' 1 .'* 
<5 



• .. .j. t 



'; i.! 



;.:i :'.:;.. 



l^i'll' " 



•./•v 



•]■ 



u vcr 



-.''. : . ■>.; 



'-■ ..: l\ 



..-..■ .. ni ?C. ; v„fcwfl 



:..i 



.:i 



Director's Office 

Council of National Defense 




Dec. 30, 1918 



No. 15 



DAILY DIGEST OF RECONSTRUCTION NEWS 

fllA 



U. S. Congress 



1. Sen. Cxiamberlain, Cnairman of Military Comud t, tee plane fo 
address senate on Army affairs today. 

2. Sen. McKellar proposes to speak on League of Nationa 
today. 



Treasury Dept. 



Two-cUy conference of Savings Directors of 12 Fidsral 
Reserve districts' of Treasury Dept. meets today. Pur- 
pose, outlining thrift campaign starting Jan. li 



War Dept. 



1. Future of chemical warfare branch of Army discussed 
Dec. 28 at conference of Senate Military Committee 
members with officials of ^r Dpet. 

2. Office of Second Asst. Sec'y. of War, created during 
War for special purpose of administering business of 
air service to be permitted to lapse. Air service 
affairs 'n^vo been transferred to General Staff Corps. 

3. Sec. Baker stated Dec. 28 that all war material captured 
by American army will be brought home, to be disposed 

of as Congress may direct. Equipment includes more 
tnan 1400 guns and trench mortars and thousands of 
machine guns and rifles. 



Commerce Dept. 



1. J. W. Sanger, Trade Commissioner of Foreign and Domestic 
Bureau, states that manufacturers and exporters have 
increased their trade in Brazil and other South 
American countries by more than 160$ since beginning 

of war. 

2. Bureau of Standards has published "Metric Manual for 
Soldiers'* aim of wnicn is to give American soldiers a 
grasp of metric system to enable them to tnink and work 
in metric units. 



Labor Dept. 



Two strikes and 2b disputes were brought to attention 
of Adjustment Service of Department in week ending 
Dec. 21. 14 cases were adjusted. 



War Industries Board 



Cancellation of inter-allied tin agreement announced 
by W. I. B. 



U..S. Snipping Board 



Wages to be paid wireless operators on Ameiiican vessels 
operated from Atlantic and Gulf ports fixed by Board 
at $110 a no. for chief operatord and $85 for asst. 
operators, witnout bonuses or sliding scales. 



No. 15 



Doc. 50, 1918 



r . M. C. A. 



Sec. Baker expresses approval of announced policy of 
Y, M, C. A. to restrict its contingents of secretaries 
bound overseas to educational entertainment and physic^, 
work specialists. 



Am. Rod Cross 



Order to ceaso knitting sent out to 954 Red Cross 
captors Doc. 28. 



Chamber of Commerce of 
United States 



In report of Dec. 28 Chamber's Committee on Statistics 
and Standards sees a "Better era and a greater pros- 
perity than lias ever been our portion in tne past." 
*** "Volume of foreign trade will play a l^rge share 
in tnis incroased prosperity. " 



Trade Relations 



1. Textile Alliance Fxport Corporation has been organized 
in New York to coordinate and stabilize the American 
and Furopoan textile markets in view of post-war con- 
ditions. 

2. J. T. Cremer, Minister to Netherlands urged extension 
of open-door colonial policy by U. S. to Philippines 
to conform with policy maintained b" Holland toward 
its Fast Indian possessions, at American Economics 
Ass 'n. conference. 



Demobilization 



1. Minister for Overseas Military Forces of Canada states 
that by Jan. 31,55,000 soldiers will have returnsd to 
Canada. 

2. American Agricultural Ass'n. has addressed Congress 
asking that enlisted men in Army, N^vy and Marine Corps, 
honorably discnarged, be given three months' full pay. 

3. Announcement made by Shipping Comptroller in London 
that Britisn Government will be able to transport to 
U. S. between .':0,000 and 40,000 American troops in 
vessels under Ertglish flag in January. 

4. War Dept. endorses plan of Boy Scouts of America to 
induce officers and men leaving army to volunteer as 
scout aiasters. 

5. Grants made under regulations of Special Gr^jits Com- 
mittee of Great Britain for financial year ending 
March 31, 1919, estimated to reach 3,000,000 pounds. 
This figure covers grants to discharged sailors, 
soldiers and air men, and to their dependents. 



Aviation 



International paracnute contest, intended to bring 
about a develop :ent of a satisfactory sd'ety device 
lor aviators, is bein^ arranged by Aero Club of America. 



Fo- 15. - 3 - Doc. 30, 1918 



Conventions Suggested principles for incorporation in proposed 

Jewish Commonwealth in Palestine were agreed upon at 
national convention ex' Poal« Zionists, nesting in 

Foreign 1. A British plan for bridging transition period pro- 

poses tliat government shall build houses and eitner 
sell them on long time payments or furnish them out- 
right, particulary to soldiers. 

2. Co-ii.dttee appointed to investigate actual increase in 
cost of living for working classes in United Kinfedo..i 
during four years of war, reports that average rise 

in fauily expenditures of working classes between July 
14 and June, 1918 was 74$. Increase of expenditures 
of skilled laborers vvas 67$; of unskilled laborers, 
81$. Counterbalancing factors included' increased wages, 
abundant employmant, development from unskilled to 
skilled group and a large addition of women to industry 
who have supplemented family incomes. 

3. In Chamber of Deputies, Paris, appeal was made Dec. 28 
to have demobilization hastened. Stated that only 
4,000 doctors were available for 35,000,000 civilian 
population, wnile 16,000 physicians arc With colors. 

4. American Vice-Consul at Athens, Greece, announces the 
completion of a railway line and inauguration in May, 
1919, of thru train service from Paris to Athens and 
on to Piraeus. 

5. French American Constructive Corporation has in hand 
contracts for rebuilding of devastated France alter the 
war to extent of $140,000,000. Amount to be expended 
for purchase of supplies in all markets of world. 



;. j ; s 






; ■-. -J v 



1 ,-..1. 

* < 

• /i i. •• 



'!-■. 






Director's Office 
Council of National Defense Dec. 31, 1918 

DAILY _GEST OF RECONSTRUCTION NEWS 

No. 16. 



U. 3. Congress (1) Sen, King offered resolution Dec. 30 favoring Array of 

500,000 men as part of permanent military esWolisiament. 

(2) Sen. Henderson proposed Dec. 30 that thank, of Congress 
and otner lienors be conferred upon local add district 
draft board members. 

State Dept. Aiier. Legation nas lodged protest with Cuinesa govern- 

mental autnorities against sanctioning an export and 
import monopoly by a Chinese limited liability company, 
plans for which were put fortn by Cninese Acting Minister 
of -ihanco and Mihiotav of Agriculture and Commerce. 

Treasury Dept. (1) Sec. Glass assumed duties as head of International 

High Commission Dec. 30. 

(2) Sec. Glass announced Dec. 30 that after Jan. 4 "ar Risk 
Bureau will issue no new policies on cargoes, vessels 
or seamen's insurance. 

(3) 17. s. S. Campaign for 1919 to be opened actively by 
nation-wide celebration on J_n. -13. 

(4) Sur. Gen. Blue of Public Health Service has ordered that 
extraordinary precautions be taken and great influence 
exercised in order that exotic epidemic diseases .ay not 
be carried into this country by returning soldiers. 

War Dept. Sec. Baker stated Dec. 30 that French and Britisn 

governments are willing to cancel contracts in Europe 
for guns _nd amunition for American forces. Approximate- 
ly two-tnirds of outstanding American orders in those 
countries have been closed out. 

Navy Dept. (l) Sec. Daniels stated to Congress that U. S. must build 

biggest navy in world unless League of Nations or otner 
tribunal that will make certain the limitation of in- 
ternational armament is establisned. 

(2) Asst. Sec. Roosevelt sails for Europe for purpose of 

closing up Mavy's business and retiring it from European 
waters. 

(5 1 ) Removal of war-time prohibition of registration of 
abbreviated cable addresses announced by Navy Dept. 
Effective Jan. 1, any person or firm in U. S. or its 
possessions will be permitted to register one such 
address with cable or .tolcgrapb companies. 



-.1. 
•:o.:;?j.:.-.o ■>. 



.: : - 



...::-j'i ■ S- 



....... i ::■*.,// f 






p.;: a 



Ho. 16 - 3 - Doe. 31. 1918 

Dcpt. of Justice &-) Dept. proposes to recommend to Congress deportation of 

most of the 3,000 or 4,000 enemy aliens now interned 
in U. S. Will also request authority to prevent re- 
entry of these wen into country later. 

(2) Over 150 alien enemies or about 15$ of the 1,000 
applicants for naturalization who filed first papers 
before 1906 and neglected to complete procedure have 
been barred by department from naturalization, 

(3) Dept. stated Dec. 30 that concerted price fixing by any 
industry after government ceases to exercise price con- 
trol Jan. 1 will be regarded by Dept. as in restraint of 
free competition. 

P. 0, Dept. According to report issued Dec. 30 Washington City Post 

office did more business during fis.cal year ending June 
30, 1918, than all the post offices in any one of 20 
states in the Union, 

Dept. of Labor Sec. Wilson sends message to conference of State Officials 

and Industrial representatives at Boston urging im- 
mediate resumption of road building, public works, and 
construction in general throughout U. S. 

U, S. Shipping Board E, N. Hurley has devised important plan for utilizing 
, American tonnage now returning to U. S. in ballast, for 

supplying U. S, with nuge stocks of potash needed for 
agricultural purposes as well as large quantities of 
French, English, Belgian and Italian products. 

E, B. Admn. Dir. Gen. McAddo orders wage incroase for railroad 

telegrapners and station agents, retroactive to Oct. 1. 

Comm. on Training Commission is about to relinquish executive functions. 

Camp Activities After Jan. 3 executive dutids of commission will be 

taken over by Third Asst. Sec. of War Kepoel, Com- 
, mission will continue to act as Advisory body. 

Trade Relations (l) Exporters, bankers, merchants and lawyers, members of the 

Council on Foreign Relations have designated a committee 
to proffer cooperation with authorities in Washington 
with view to increasing cable facilities between U, S. 
and foreign countries< 

(2) Franco -American Board of Commerce and Industry has beer, 
organized in New York to develop American markets for 
French products, with a.eadquar tors in Paris and New York. 



No. 16 



■3- 



Dec. 31. 1913. 



Education 



(1) Nat'l Collegiate Athletic Ass'n. passed resolutions Dec. 30 
urging collages to take ov3r responsibility for everything 
pertaining to athletics and physical tx'aining. 

(2) Perpetuation by Congress of reserve officers' training canps 
in colleges and universities urged in resolution passed at 
meeting of heads of universities and colleges of the east 
with officers of War Dept. Dec. 30. 



Finance 



In an effort to stabilize exchange rates between U. S. and 
Orient, Japanese government has begun buying Treasury Certi- 
ficates of Indebtedness. To date, the Japanese have bought 
$35,000,000 worth of these certificates, which mature in 6 
months. 



Conventions 



(l) At meeting of Society of Automotive Engineers, to be held in 
New York, Feb. 4 to 6, sessions will be devoted to "War and 
Post War Subjects". 



(3) Plans for agricultural development of Palestine formulated 
by Zionist Society of Engineers at recent conference. Judge 
Julian W. Mack of Chicago, prddicts large movement by Jews 
to colonize Palestine after declaration of peace. 




Director's Office 

Council of National Defense // Jan. 3, 1919. 

DAILY DIGEST OF RECONSTRUCTION NEWS 
No. 17. i 

.- u _ 

U. S. Congress Sac. 10 of Clayton Anti-Trust Act becomes effective Jan. 2, 19 

Treasury Dept. War Ris.it Insurance Bureau announced Jan. 1 that it had maileo 

all allotments and allowance checks to soldiers' and sailors' 
dependents covering October pav, due in December. 

/ 

War Djpt. 1. In New Year's message to U. S. army Sec. Baker promises earli- 
est possible demobilization and expresses faith that soldiers 
will honor country in peace as they har e done in strife. 

2. Announced that Sec. Baker will ask Congress for legislation 
to permit government to make outright purphase of ^a}l great 
military cantonments of the country. 

3. Orders issued Dec. 31 for abandonment of many building pro- 
jects throughout country, mainly hospitals and explosives 

plants. 

4. Sec. Baker orders that property owned by any military organi- 
zation may be disposed of by the organization before disband- 
ment for the use and benefit of enlisted men in the army. 

5. Announced that surplus food stocks in army warehouses will 
fill 80fo of the January requirements for all camps and can- 
tonments in the U. S. 

6. S:c. Baker urges legislation authorizing medals for members a 
of army draft boards and State officials who helped admins 
ister the Selective Service Law. 

P. 0. Dept. P. M. G. Burleson announces increase in salaries of all em- 

ployes of all departments of telegraph systems under govern- 
ment control. 

Commerce Dept. Sec. Redfield arranges conference with officials of Operating 

division of 'J. S. Shipping Board for purpos? of obtaining 
lo ver rates on water transportation between Pacific ports of 
U. S. and points in Japan and China. 

Labor Dept. 1. U. 3. Employment Service reports that replacement of dis- 
charged soldiers in industry is proceeding rapidly and effec- 
tively tnru cooperation of military authorities and repre- 
sentativjs of U. S. Employment Service. 

2, "Go back to school" was the New Year message sent out Jan. 1, 
by. Children's bureau to boys and girls of America who entered 
shops and factories during war. 



No. 17 -2- Jan. 2. 1919 . 



Labor Dept. 3. Barm Service Division of U. S . Employment Service created 

to direct special farm labor-supplying efforts' of Dept. of 
Labor. 

4. Miss Julia Lathrop states in annual report that 

(a) "The time has come when whole subject of child, laboi 
should be considered anew with reference to education 
as most effective and profitable means of control." 

(b) In cooperation with state officials, Bureau is prep 
paring a plan for uniform reporting of work certifi- 
cates issued- to children in States having certifi- 
cate requirements. 

U.S. Shipping Board Wage raise announced by U. S. Shipping Board for masters of 

vessels owned or requisitioned by U. S. Shipping Board ply- 
ing between Atlantic and Gulf ports beginning Jan. 1; also 
for Chief and Asst. Engineers. 

R. R. Adm. 1. Administration has established Hor/eseekers' Bureau to give 

free information regarding opportunities in Western and 
Southern States to those who wish to engage in farming , 
stock raising, and similar occupations. 

2. Calculated by Administration officials that Government's 

loss in operating railroads in 1918 is less than $150, 000, OOf- 
Officials believe that it will take six months mors of 
receipts from increased freight rates to permit government 
to recoup losses. 

U. S. Food Admn. Special price regulations on mill feeds and limitations on 

wholesalers', retailers', and jobbers' margins of profit on 
mill feed sales removed Jan. 1, by Administration. 

Federal Trade Reported that applications for use of enemy-owned or con- 
Commidsion. trolled dye patents are flooding Federal Trade Commission. 

These patents now in hands of Alien Property Custodian 
estimated in value from $50,000,000 to $250,000,000. 

Chamber of Commerce Report of Dec. 30 states that business world is facing read- 
of United States justment problems calmly. Report says there is evidence, that 

there must be such readjustment of prices as will bring them 
to lower l3vel, assuring stabilization of prices and pur- 
chasing. 



V i 






: .. r 



■ A- : 



No. 17 



-3- 



Jan. 3. 1919, 



Trade Relations 



Consul General Skinner, London, reports anno vine amen t by 
War Trade Department that applications will be considered 
for exports of various commodities to approved destinations 



fiail roads 



It Tentative program of Ass'n. of Railway Executives in sessio 
New York, Dec. 31 suggests that new member ba added to Cab- 
inet with title Sec. of Transportation. 

3. Chamber of Deputies, Paris, Dec. 31, voted authorization to 
Government to advance 600,000,000 francs for reestablish- 
ment of railroads after war, Minister of Public Works 
stated that 37,000 American cars would shortly be delivered. 



Conventions 



Fifth Annual Conference of Nat'l Popular Government League, 
to be known as "Seconstruction Conference", will hold three 
day convention in Washington, Interior Dept , Auditorium, 
beginning Jan. 9. 



War Camp 

C ommuni ty Service. 



War Camp Community Service states that chain of soldiers' 
clubs that will compete with saloons for favor of young men 
will be established soon in all large cities by Service. 



Foreign 



British War Cabinet considering proposal to ask Peace Con- 
ference to appoint Commission to inquire into question of 
internal adjustment of conditions of employment and subjmit 
scheme for permanent international court and organisation 
to obtain joint action in such matters. 



Jan. 3, 1919 
Council of National Defense 

DAILY DIGEST OF RECONSTRUCTION NEWS 
No. 18 



U, S. Congress 1. War Revenue Bill sent to conference by House, Jan, 2. 

2. Nebraska Potash Producers' Ass'n. protest to Sen. Hitchcock 
of Nebraska against importation of Eotash from Alsa.ce. 

3. Maj, Gen. Win. L. Sibert, director of chemical wa.rfo.re ser- 
vice, testifying before House Approp. Comm., stated that 
military establishment snould include research branch to 
keep abreast of scientific and chemical development. 

4. Sen. Kellogg of Minn, introduced Senate resolution direct- 
ing Interstate Commerce Committee of Senate to make in- 
vestigation of assumption by government of control of rail- 
ways and cable and telepnone linBS. 

5» Chrm. Colver of Federal Trade Comm. testified before House 
Interstate Commerce Committee stating that five leading 
packers controlled 665 companies whose business was not . 
directly related to meat slaughtering and exercised some 
control over others. Charged that competitive wholesale 
grocers were being driven out of business by branch houses 
of packers. 

6. Members of House Agricultural Comm. , studying recommenda- 
tions sent them by Sec. of Agriculture and Food Adminis- 
tration on wheat situation of 1919, say that they are 
convinced that Government mtiLst provide fund of not less tnan 
$1,000,000,000 to buy wheat product of 1919. 

7. Chas. Piez. Dir. Gen. Emergency Fleet Corp., testified Jan. 
2 before Senate Commerce Conim. regarding Merchant Marine 
program. 

8. Rep. Fuller of Illinois introduced bill Jan. 2 proposing 
one month's extra pay and a bonus of $100 for honorably 
discharged soldiers, sailors and marines. 

9. General inquiry into accomplishments of U, S. Shipping 
Board voted Jon. 2 by Senate Commerce Coram, 

Treasury Dept. 1. 26 tons of insurance records from American Ex. Forces re- 
ceived Jan. 2 by Bureau of War Risk Insurance, represent- 
ing $1,600,000,000 of insurance written on American soldiers 
overseas, bringing total insurance written by Bureau of 
over $38,000,000,000. 



'!''.:• ,.u. .<-'. 



-.'.;. 



. 







No. 18 



Jan. 3.. 1919. 



Treasury Dept. 3. 



In all mors than 70,000 monthly allowances heretofore paid 
by War Hi ok Insur.~nce Bureau have been suspended, following 
investigations disclosing facts that alleged dependents .ver 
not actually dependent, or that allotments and allowances 
far exceeded amounts contributed by enlisted man. before 
entering service. 

Committee appointed to suggest remedy for falling gold pro- 
duction of la^t year reports that return of normal condi- 
tions and falling of prices are expected to stimulate gold 
production in U. S. this year. 



Navy Dept. 



Hear Admiral Taylor, Chief, Bureau of Construction and Re- 
pair told House Naval Committee, Jan. 2, that war condition: 
have brought about an enormous increase in cost of building 
warships. Increase estimated at almost 50$. 



Agricultural Dept. 



Dept. has organized war emergency entomological service 
which enables it to keep informed daily with extent to vhich 
principal crops of country are attacked by injurious insects. 



Commerce Dept. 1. 



Bureau of Foreign and Domestic Commerce in cooperation with 
Customs Service, U. S. Snipping Board, War Trade Board, 
Tariff Comm. and other government agents, working oxit a 
reclassification of present method of compilation with view 
tc making statistics of imports and exports more comprehen- 
sive. 



2. Bureau of Standards has accomplished manufacture of optical 
glass in sufficient quantities and of quality to meet stan- 
dards necessary in army and navy. 

3. Bureau of Standards has recently issued technical yaper, 
No. 108, whicn contains results of investigation of metnods 
of grounding electrical systems for protective purposas. 

4. New war emergency building at Bureau of Standards to be used 
by Government for scientific studies in interest of American 
industry. 

Labor Dept. 1. U. S. Employment Service opens two weeks' normal training 

course for examiners Jan. 6. Purpose, establishment of 
trained and efficient staff to make standard the use of com- 
mon agency under Government for labor distribution and 
placement! 



2. In case of petition of Omaha City Firemen for right to 

organize, War Labor Board held that its principle that em- 
ployees may organize and bargain collectively does not 
apply to employees of municipalities. 



i if." 



^o. 18 



3 - 



Jan. 3, 1919 



Labor Dept, 



War Trade Board 



5. C. Ogburn, examiner for V'ar Labor Board, states that Board 
considers phrase "-until termination of war" to mean until 
peace has been signed, in relation to Board's jurisdiction 
over Traction companies in labor disputes. 

Board announces that on and after Feb, 1 applications will 
be considered for licenses to export wheat flour to Cuba. 



Y.M.C.A. 



Y» M. C« A, has dispatched large consignment of reading nratter 
to U. S« soldiers in Russia, 



Americanization 



International regulation of immigration according to employ- 
ment demands advocated by Allen Burns, director of Americani- 
zation studies of Carnegie Foundation, 



Educati on 



1, New educational program, adapted to peace-time requirements, 
with lecture courses supplanting class work, has been intro- 
duced in all camps in vicinity of Washington, 

2» One result of investigation of position of modern languages 
in educational systems of Great Britain revealed fact that 
ignorance of languages is serious obstacle to foreign trade 
development. Showed especially that ignorance of enemy 
peoples and their tongues hampered British war efforts, 

3, Governor of Michigan urges enactment of law requiring that 
all courses in Michigan schools be conducted in English up 
to eighth grade . 



Demobilization 



W. C. T, U, delegate to Peace Conference urges women through- 
out country who hold positions formerly filled by men to 
relinquish them to returning soldiers. 



Labor 



Trade 



1, Exec. Council of A. F. of L. voted at special session to send 
delegates to International Labor Conference at Versailles 
this month, 

2, Proposals under consideration by British r ar Cabinet looking 
toward establishment of international tribunal to adjust labor 
conditions do not meet with favor at Amer, Fed. of Labor 
headquarters. 

In survey of business conditions Dun's Beview looks for in- 
creasing demand for raw materials both at home and abroad, la 
quiries from foreign countries, it is stated, indicate that 
im ediate expansion of overseas trade will be witnessed if 
adequate shipping is available. 






ujC . .. is 



- 
r 



' ;:.. ; ;xoi. 
«oi;A # i ■- 

• : I .■ f? am 



.0 



.1 ... 
. 3 ; 

;•■ , •■ mi -. 



'.;>.- . . 






No. 18 



-4- 



Jan. 3. 1919. 



Trade Relations 



American Chamber of Commerce In London reports that British 
busi ness men seem practically unanimous in demanding immed- 
iate dissolution of Defense of the Realm Act. 



Finance 
Banking 



Advance in Fourth Liberty Bond trading on very heavy transac- 
tions recorded Jan. 3. 

Annual report of London Bankers' Clearing House states that 
total turnover in 1918 was 31,198,000,000 pounds, an in- 
crease of 3,076,000,000 pounds as compared with 1917, and 
an increase of 4,761,000,000 pounds on pre-war record year 
of 1913. Increase attributable to heavy government borrow- 
ing* and disbursements and also to increased prices of com- 
modities. 



Welfare 



Reconstruction 



Foreign 



1. United Hospital Fund, New York, makes plea for more hospitals 
stating th a t only one person in 10 requiring hospital treat- 
ment receives it. 

3. Dr. Thomas A. Storey, New York, state inspector of physical 
training, has outlined program of peace-time training of 
teachers of health habits and practices v\hich he estimates 
is qualified to raise national standards of health and fit- 
ness. 

"Reconstruction; a Herald of the Time", title of new monthly 
publication issued by Reconstruction Publishing Co., New 
York, A, L. Benson, Editor. Vol. 1, No. 1, issued Jan. 1919, 

Mr. Hoover has cabled to headquarters of Belgian Relief Comm, 
in Washington that part of N°rthern France which was occupied 
by Germans has been left in prostrate condition and over a 
million and a half inhabitants require immediate relief. 






::.£-. :; . 



: .J ••„' 



>.* .-cr. rat 






-i :I . 

. :'S if ; 



. u .-; 



:■• . ;n < :... 



i.U- 



Director's Office Jan. 4, 1919 

Council of National Defense 

DAILY DIGEST OF RECONSTRUCTION N9WS 
No. 19 



Executive President Wilson has naued Herbert Hoover director general 

of an. in -ter national organization for the reliei of liberated 
countries both neutral ar. d enemy. 

U. S. Congress 1. Announcement made Jan. 3 that first meeting of Senate and 

House conferees on tne six billion dollar war revenue bill 
will be Held Jan. 6. 

2. Sec. Baker stated before House Military Coi.imittee Jc.n. 5 
that no decision had been reached by War Dept. on question 
of universal military service. 

3. Senate Military Committee Jan. 3 rejected Sec. Baker's 
recommendation for legislation to validate informal war con- 
tracts and autnorize their adjustment by War Dept. Ordered 
favorably reported Sen. Hitchcock's bill legalizing such 
contracts but placing adjustments in hands of special 
commission. 

4. Dir. Gen. ox Railroads and Senators compare 21 -month »nd 
five-ye..r plans Jan. 3 before Senate Interstate Commerce 
Committee. 

5. Samuel Compers stated before Senate Education and labor 
Committee that any attempt by law to prevent labor strikes 
would be futile. Condemned legislation for compulsory arbi- 
tration as agency to compel workers to remain at tneir tasks. 

Treasury Dept. 1. Information from Treasury gives total of war expenditures 

to close or 1918 w.s $24,500,000,000. Last year they amounted 
to $18,160,000,000, in v/nicii is included $4,150,000,000 
loaned to the A-llies. 

2. Sur. Gen. Blue of U. S. Public Healtn Service, cooperates 
with War Dept. in urging every discharged man to aid in 
campaign against social diseases. 

War Dept. War Dept. Central Bureau of Information has been established 

in Office of Adjutant General, Room L>48, State, War and Navy 
Building. 

Dept. of Justice Government contracts for 1919 must retain clause forbidding 

sub-letting of contracts and otherwise operating against 
contingent fee agents, according to declaration of Dept. of 
Justice. in recent opinions to other departments. 



"Xit. WOO:- J*if.'i". 



-: 



No. 19 - 3 - Jan, 4, 1919 



Navy Dept. Sec. Daniels outlined important plans of future naval policy 

before House Naval Affairs Committee, Jan, 2. Outstanding 
features include: 

(a) Fleets returning from European waters and all other 
war vessels should be divided equally between Atlantic 
and Pacific coasts to promote competition and enthusiasm 
among the personnel. 

(b) Marines should be kept intact and not be absorbed into 
Army. 

Interior Dept*, Preliminary estimates by U, S, Geological Survey indicate 

that petroleum marketed from oil wells and field storage 
tanks in U, S. in 1918 amounted to 345,500,000 barrels, an 
apparent gain of 3$ over former record output in 1917. 

Commerce Dept. 1« Chauncey D. Snow, Asst. Chief of Bureau, states in article 

in N. Y. Evening Post that study of languages is necessary 
for trade. "We now view the languages as a part of prepara- 
tion for foreign commerce," he says. 

2, Annual report of Commissioner of Lighthouse Service states 

that appropriation for maintenance of Lignthouse Service for 
fiscal year 1919 is $6,150,430, being $811,750 in excess of 
that for preceding fiscal year. Special appropriations 
have been made for various new works. 

Labor Dept. 1. Henry Bruere has resigned as Federal Director of U. S. Em- 
ployment Service for N. Y. State. His successor is Dr. Geo. 
W. Kirchwey. 

2. Federal Employment Service reports that discharged soldiers 
are applying at the rate of -about 50 a day for work at 

D. C. branch of service. 

3. Ordway Tead advocates enactment by Congress of a law freeing 
Trd.de Unions of all restrictions. 

War Trade Board 1. Board announces removals from export conservation list of 

many commodities, effective Jan. 4. 

2. Board announces adoption of simplified procedure for con- 
sideration of applications for licenses to export commodities 
to Greece. 

3. Board announces revision of regulation under which shipments 
of certain origin snd distination, the importation of wnich 
has been otherwise licensed, may be exported without individ- 
ual export license wnen same are conveyed in transit through 
tne territory or via any port of the U. S. 



t * V i. '-> 



>■£.'.'. 



:'o i.I 



■Is. ■:■''■ I 
T. Of S 



'-': .;>; 



., .P.lft'fi....! 






-:.■'. 



» ' i-C 



•: ! ,0c j:. ■' 



u-v '.'■••- 



'.vo'.;.. i 

. 'J ; 3 • 



J:ti. 



,~:*. 



f. -.i 



•Hi ■ '. .'. 



•• • • j 



itiSA'U- 



J.C 



No. 19 



Jan. 4, 



Federal Trade Commission For better protection of purchasing public, and on agree- 
ment with manufacturers, Federal Trade Commission has in- 
duced all chief aiakers of gold-iilled, gold-plated and gold 
shell finger rings to adopt standard labeling indicating 
exactly proportion of gold used in every ring offered to 
public. 



Federal Reserve Board 



In general discussion of problems which must be met by 
American bankers in effecting the transition from war to 
peace basis, Federal Reserve Bulletin says: "The present 
time is no time for relaxation either of our financial 
precaution or measures which must be regarded as vitally 
necessary to insure tne conservation of our banking and 
credit resources." 



Council of Nat'l 
Defense 



Welfare Work Committee of committee on Labor, Council of 
Nat'l Defense, lias issued further Bulletin in Welfare Work 
Series, under title "Requirements and Standards upon Heat- 
ing and Ventilation. n 



American Red Cross 



Red Cross Shop opened in New York for sale of handicraft of 
convalescent soldiers. Proceeds to be given to soldiers 
making articles. 



Chamber of Commerce 
of U. S. 



Chamber has summoned representative from 400 industries to 
New York to take up subject of adjustments of war contracts 
and reconstruction problems affecting industry. 



Trade Relations 1, 



Mexican Congress has granted special powers to the Fxecutive 
to raise or lower import and export duties at his discre- 
tion. 



2o News alliance has been made between Assoc. Press and lead- 
ing papers in Argentina, Peru, Chile, Ecquador, and Panama. 



Industrial 

Readjustment 



1. Govt, contractors and sub-contractors from many states met 
in Cleveland Jan. 3 to take concerted action to obtain re- 
lief by Congress through necessary legislation to legalize 
informal war contracts aggregating over $1,500,000,000, 
which were cancelled by government after signing of armis-- : 
tice. 



2. Announcement made by International Merchant Marine that 
passenger service on Red Star liners will be resumed late 
this month between New York and Antwerp. 



. isisc* 






. ...i .; 



No. 19\. 



4 - 



Jan. 4, lyl'd 



Finance 



Legal Reconstruction 



League of Nations 



Public Utilities 



Asst, Dist. Att'y Brogan of N, Y, , in charge of Bureau of 
Commercial Frauds in Prosecutor's office, has begun investi- 
gation regarding sale below par of Libery Bonds • 

Admini strati on of Military justice in U. S. Army will be 
one of the subjects considered at annual meeting of U. S. 
American Bar Ass'n, 

VTm. Howard T"ft Summarized League of Nations idea in speech 
before Omaha. Club, Jan, 3, as follows: "A court or tri- 
bunal to decide on justiciable issues; a commission of con- 
ciliation to continue the work of making peace until tne 
world became settled in the League of Nations; a combined 
police force, the existence of wnich would be sufficient tft 
cause obedience to the tribunal's and the commission's de- 
cisions; a congress of nations to codify international .law 
and make from time to time such modifications as new condi- 
tions would make necessary." 

Disorders in Denver follow second traction advance to 7-ceni' 
fare . 



Conventions 



Delegates of farmers' organizations, representing several 
millions of farmers meet in Washington, Jan. 4, to elect 
delegates to Peace Conference. 



Foreign 



1. Winston Churchill, Minister of Munitions, announces that 
British govetntfient expects to take over operation of rail- 
ways, as improved transport facilities are necessary to 
bring about rapid revival of industry. 

3. British reports state that need for improved housing is 
acute. Local government btard of London has plans for 
building 300,000 houses, and various municipal author! tiez 
have plans under way. 

3, Dr. Vernon Kellogg of U, S, Food Admn. states that larger 
importations of meat and pork products from U. S. thus 
lessening the slaughter of native animals, will be most 
effective means of restoring depleted animal herds of 
United Kingdom, France and Italy. 



i:i iuc.-x: ; ; - • 



v. ■!■ 



'.*■■- 



>.)£, : ; ■ ■ s'r .j. ;.• -. :: [■•* is.t*. 









! 



Director' 3 Office 
Council of National Defense 

No. 20. 




Jan. 6, 1919. 



DAILY DIGEST OF EECflNSERUCTION NEWS 



Executive 



U. S. Congress 



Pres. Wilson cables request for immediate appropriation of 
$100,000,000 to supply food to liberated peoples of Austria 
Turkey, Poland and Western .Russia. 

Rep- Madden of Illinois introduced bill for appointment of 
Single Sales Commission to dispose of surplus Stock in all 
government departments. 



Treasury Dept. 



Sac. Glass has established a cradit of $100,000,000 in favor 
of Italy, making a total for Italy of $1,310,000,000 and for 
all the Allies of $8,585,523,703. 



"ar Dept. 



1. Sec. Baker stated before Buffalo Chamber of Commeroe Jan. 4 
that world war would bs insuperable tragedy if Peace Confer- 
ence failed to provide League of Nations or similar preven- 
tion of future world disasters. 

2. Press statement by General March Jan. 4 gives number of men 
designated for discharge in U, S, as 1,004,000. 

3. Dept. states that explanation of rehabilitation plans by Sur 
Gen, of Army is placed in hands of each disabled soldier on 
return to U. S, 

4. Arrangements have been made with France and are being per- 
fected with Great Britain to return American soldiers from 
abroad at a cost below present charge on trans-atlantic 
liners. 



x:. 



5. As;t. Sec. Crowell urged government acquisition of all 16 
national army cantonment sites before House Military Commit- 
tee Jan. 4. Also advocated purchase of land for establishing 
three camps at Columbus, Ga. ; West Point, Ky., and Fayette- 
ville, N. C.for future training of army. 



P. 0. Dapt. 



Interchange of facilities between ocean cable companies and 
wireles -> telegraph plants in so far as the government's own 
communications are concerned has been authorized by P.M.G. 
Burleson. 



Agricultural Dept. 



Report" by B. C. Paxton, Field Agent for Dept., states that 
Kansas, with 11,184,000 acres has 23.8 per cent of all winter 
wheat are-:, of U. S. 



: ■ • ■ >-' ■- . .J. '-..V 



-• • • ' - • ■'• , J. •- .' .* . U - <*. *V' M ' •' -■' - ^ t ■ '•• "s 

• •• -rrv *. .-.• <■ «. » . V ^- " ■. - . ■ • r 



'•:■ '■ -.:.-. '■■'. ). ■'■• ■ . ;: u r;.;. ■ j. . - : A J .C '• ■ 

'■ 



- .. . ... 






••:■ '.' X,. .w* j. '.X» •■. - 






. - - ■ i 

.... J. . . ! . . , 



.-..:. ;<: 'it Six.'; - •. ■ ■" •,• ' •. ■ " . 

V "' •:'' "r*»,.{ ' .; .:: . i :. IS . ' ■• ,.::.. ; ..' 3 ;il v. 



AC Ciij.i. 






No, 30 -3- Jan. 6, 3 919. 



Commerce Dept. 1. Bureau of Navigation states that during calendar year of 191 

U k Si Shipyards built 1, 883 merchant vessels of 3,731,381 
groas tons. 

3. Dept* has completed organization by means of which it expects 
to add $3,000,000,000 a year to national wealth, through, a&l 
vage of nitherto waste materials. Work organized by Hugh 
Frayne. 

Labor. Dept. 1. Dept. investigation reveals unjust discrimination in salaries 

of government employees performing similar <vork in different 
departments. 

3. Mexican laborers may be admitted to U. S. up to July 1, next, 
solely for employment in sugar beet production under ordefc 
issued by Sec. Wilson. Action taken as result of representa- 
tions by sugar beet growers . 

3. Asst. Sec. Post predicts resumption of building operations oi 
larger scale than that of pre-war days as result of depart- 
ment's campaign for increasing public and private building. 

4. Dept. report indicates labor shortage in vicinity of Wasning- 
ton and throughout Virginia with supply and demand about 
equal in other southern poiflts. 

Fuel Administration Statement issued to effect that dang3r of coal famine is past 

no matter how severe weather may becoae. 

Y. W. C. A, Miss Elizabeth Wilson, head of Secretarial Dept. Y.12J. C.A. ,hap 

gone to England in answer to call to establish Y. 17. C. A. 
training center in India. 

Physical Reconstruction Sir. Arthur Pearson, blind chairman of Blinded Soldiers' 

Care Committee of England, now in this country states that 
practically ever 1 " soldier who has lost his sight because of 
war may be rehabilitated in great measure. 

Church Reconstruction Inter-Church Emergency Campaign Committee, N. Y. , announces 

that a united church campaign to reach $10,000,000 for after 
war emergency needs mil be started soon by fourteen Protes- 
tant denominations. 

Agriculture Programs of reconstruction adopted by various farm organiza-* 

tions throughout country are to be worked out at Farmers' 
Nat'l Conference to be held in Washington, week of Jan. 6. 



. ."a ti'h ,1 ilisri 



l* * ( " ■ 



;>g 'i.;.sv : Ca v J,;.C'J ,> ;, J'. t < • '-•'. ■'■■■-* 



ru. 



■ •.•-hi', i -i 



-i.C: v-i C'^^»- r i'J* " 7> 



■• i ■ . 



•j p i 



c.i: sKXiii .1 .... j" '£■:•■ v 



.- :>* ■:■ 

■v; v • 



r r 



n.c -. 



• ■ s.-.i ::•£<.•«,/•... ■- 



it jr. L- ■', "i- ■ .' . 



. .■.■•.' ■ rii:i?*"-' : " ai t'.u.. ; ■ i ': :. • 



No. 20 -3- Jon. 6, 1919 



F-Q R E I G N 

Industrial Readjustment 

1. Motor Car manufacturers, as well as manufacturers in other 
lines, are bringing pressure to bear on British government 
to so regulate sale of war stock as not to injure their 
businesses during period of raadjustment. 

2. Parliamentary Secretary of British Ministry of Munitions 
predicts that manufacturers will revert to peace production 
more readily than they turned to war footing. 

3. In review of cotton requirements. of Italy, reported that 
it looks to U. St to supply that country with raw cotton 
necessary for her after-war industrial development. 

4. A voluntary society has been formed in Italy for importation 
and distribution of Coffee. It undertakes to apportion all 
coffee imported into country a t prices fix9d by Government 
and will cease to operate six months after declaration of 
peace. 

Banking Directors of Bank of Rome have voted to open a branch in 

Jerusalem. 

Labor According to investigation of British Ministry of Reconstruc- 

tion into effect of boys '■ and girls' entrance into war-time 
industry, results have been mischievous and demoralizing. 
Measures suggested for remedy include establishment of cen- 
ters for -unemployed boys and girls in all towns of over 
20,000, where educational, social and if necessary, financial 
aid may be rendered. 

Food Administration Communal feeding on a hugs scale through the establishment of 

4,000 national restaurants is planned for London. 



1JLV iO i'S-S. - • 



. . ■ . . .v» 



T. . ; ; 
it*-' '- ... 



'a v V-- ;u.- I'.,: "io.l 



- : 



•; O i 









. ;-. ti. 



.{J r' 34. 



r ;... 



'. ..V £»V* ' 



. 



. - ' iv :.-i ;: 



;..■ ■ '.:. . 



.;. . .. 



I 1; ■» 



Director's Office 
Council sxf National Defense W Jan. 7, 1919. 

DAILY DIGEST OF RECONSTRUCTION NEWS. 
No. 21 






J «.■ 



U. S. Congress 1. House of Appropriations Committee Jan. 6 approved request of 

President Wilson that Congress appropriate $100,000,000 
for relief work in Europe outside of Germany, 

3. Provision for new Cabinet /office to have jurisdiction over 
department of education and human welfare contained in 
bill introduced by Rep. Baer of North Dakota, Jam 6. 

Treasury Dept. In telegram addressed to governors of Federal Reserve Banks, 

Sec. Glass urges over subscriptions by banks to current and 
future issues of Treasury certificates of indsbtedness. 

War Dept. 1. Sec. Baker stated Jan. 6 that stabilization of rank of army 

officers, mahy of whom were given promotions for war period, 
must await action by Congress on bill for the permanent army. 

2. Sec. Baker endorses action of Maj, Gen. Shanks, commanding 
Port of Embarkation of New York, in acfion taken to bring 
about observance of discipline among officers returning from 
abroad whose conduct gives evidence of deterioration. 

3. Commanders of combat divisions in U, S, were authorized Jan. 
6 to discharge first from their forces those men whose allot- 
ment papers show they have dependents; and, second, such men 
0/S would be affected adversely in obtaining civil employment 
as result of being held further in service. 

4. Purchase Information Office, Room 2426, Munitions Building, 
19th and B Sts., Washington, gives information to persons 
desiring to sell material to War Dept. and advises bidders 
concerning bids and awards. 

Interior Dept. Elimination of excess profits tax on gold mining and privi- 
lege of free exports and of sale to manufacturers as means of 
stimulating gold production recommended in the report Jan. 4 
of special committee appointed by Sec. Lane to investigate 
causes of decline in output. 

Commerce Bept. Dept. taking over War Prison Labor and Nat'l Waste Recla- 
mation Service of Labor Division of War Industries Board. 
This is done as result of showing of this Section in 
salvaging materials needed by government in war. Work to 
be expanded into a permanent waste reclamation service. 



.„; £,:• 






... njii. 



...£••' .0 



!■ ," r -» ■ 



■ - f <• ■ ■ T -. 

-.-.; .:: v. 



■' . i o .'.i. .'.'* y 



,.-.:i :-£'? ci . 'I..." i. r.'.i-*;*; n-. ,vic5 v ' 
•■i.. > i.i-i'i;."0' . v .;:- J .1'v ■;;:..•■;:■ ••.-:..;:.■-.•'-.• 



:jl...-v. 



.••-. ■ i. .-•* • 



' 3 .'IV. ■ :'. ' r 0: ' ( •' \;Z-:. \ 

. il . •" .hi: ■' ,;w. ; ■ ' 

j . :: ., ■ ; .. •':■ ;.'.■' v ' ■ ■■r.iszi. .'• r. 



:-t.. i ..77 "-. 'tiiic. .'£ - ' 



V ,fwJ':. 

B-->lrtJE 



•r!.;:.: 



■I r 



No. 21 



Jan. 7, 191 s 



U. S. Shipping Board 1, 



Board anno"unced Jan. 6 reduced freight rates on cotton 
from South Atlantic and Gulf ports to Europe. 

Board states that American Merchant ships will be re- 
lieved of naval guns and gunners as fast as they reach 
hone ports. The steel guns and their emplacement s will 
be dumped on docks and crews and rifles returned to the 
Wavy. 



U. S. Fuel Admn. 



Admn. nets gathered, figures showing wastes varying from 
27fe to 73% of natural gas delivered to gates of cities 
and towns in Kansas and Missouri. To prevent furtner 
waste arrangements have been made to have all wholesale 
meters in affected districts checked by Division of 
Weights and Measures of Bureau of Standards. 



Railroads 



Opposition to prolongation to five years of period of 
government control of railroads reiterated Jan. 4, at 
session of Association of Railway Executives. 92% of 
mileage of country was represented at meeting and practi- 
cally every railroad had its president there. 

Shippers' Organizations rtill submit data to Senate In- 
terstate Commerce Committee by way of protest against 
5 year government control. Will aim to show that rate 
adjustments contemplated by Dir. Gen. McAddo will give 
railroads several hundreds of millions of dollars at 
public expense. 



Banking 



Amer. Inst, of Banking makes public Bulletin showing 
that a per capita increase of 10.7 per cent in savings 
during past four years in eastern states, where volume 
of saving is greatest in country, was lower than in any 
other group of states. 



Reconstruction 



National Civic Federation to send abroad 9 delegates to 
study labor conditions with view to learning what changes 
in conditions during last few years in England and 
Franco may be adopted with advantage in U. S. Mission 
will include three employers and three representatives 
of labor. 



League of Nations 



American delegates in Paris regard appointment of Mr. 
Hoover to be Dir. Gen. of universal food relief plan as 
indicating first practical showing of power of League 
of Nations. 



Disability 



Maj. Wm. T. Shoemaker, in charge of e ye departments in 
American hospitals in England, stated Jan. 6 that only 
about 100 soldiers of Araer. Ex, Forces in France have 
been made blind during the war. 



. <V "-..- 






:. ■ " 



*" ■ ■ *f\ : *•■•' 



No. 31 



-3- 



Jan. 7, 1919. 



Conventions 



Nat'l Ass'n, of State Commissioners of -Agriculture meets in. 
Baltimore this week. Plans to develop some program of land 
settlement for soldiers. 



FOREIGN 



Education 



For British officers and men who are to be kept in the field 
until peace negotiations are concluded, British government is 
planning Educational Service Corps to giv? them intensive 
special training to fit them for civilian employment. Courses 
of instruction will cover industrial and commercial organiza- 
tions, banking, insurance and accounting. 



Shipping 1, 



3. 



British Minister for Shipping stated in interview Jan. 5 that 
end of hostilities had eased shipping position and had per- 
mitted tonnage available for bringing imports to British 
Isles to be increased by something equivalent to 10,000,000 
tons of goods per annum. 

London Sunday Observer states tha total output of shipbuild- 
ing in United Kingdom during 1918 of both naval and mercan- 
tile ships was 1,345 vessels, of 1,876,411 tons. 



Trade Relations 



Consul Gen. Hurst cables from Barcelona that Roy^l order 
appoints Commission to lay before Spanish government propo- 
sitions concerning establishment of rapid steamship service 
between northern Spanish ports and New York. 



■ ..,: i ' 



Director's Office 
Council of National Defense 

DAILY DIG£ 
No. 22. 




Jan. 8. 1919. 



U. 3. Congress 1. 



2. 



3. 



Rep. Burnett of Alabama introduced a bill Jan. 7 carrying 
prohibition of iinnigration for four year fillowing the 
signing of the peace treaty. 

Opposition to government ownership of operation of railroads 
at this time was expressed Jan. 7 by Interstate Commerce 
Commission in statement presented to Senate Interstate 
Commerce Committee at its hearing on railway legislation, 

In compliance with resolution recently adopted by Senate, - 
heads of all executive departments in Washington have ar- 
ranged to make bi-weekly reports to Senate of to&al number 
of civil employees in each department and number discharged 
during previous two weeks. 



War Dept. 



1. Major Gen. Sharks, commanding N. Y. port of embarkation, 

in letter to department deplores collapse of morale and in- 
difference to discipline, duty and reponsibility on part 
of U. S. Army officers and men returning from France. 

2. Announcement made January 7 that of 71, 114 wound and injury 
cases tabulated', in American Expeditionary Hospitals between 
Jan. 15 and Oct. 15, 1918, 85,3$ recovered and returned to 
duty. Percentage of deaths 8.8$. 



Navy Dept. 



Important steps have been taken looking toward a return 
to conditions which prevailed at Naval Academy prior to 
war. Expansion and development in many respects outlined. 



Agriculture Dept. 



Agricultural Commission sent to Europe by Department last 
fall to study conditions, recommends that the U. S. take 
initiative in formulating an international program of 
agricultural production to forestall a possible serious 
shortage of food, feed and fiber in next few years. 



Labor Dept. 



Bureau of Naturalization announces that full citizenship 
was conferred on 162,402 soldiers and sailors up to Jan. 1 
under Act of Congress passed last toy. 



U. S. Civil Service 
Commission 



' " "'-Commission 
Civil Service/calls attention to executive order issued 

last July providing for reinstatement of former civil 
service employees who resigned to enter military service. 
Order provides for reinstatement of tnese men within five 
years after they are discharged from the military establish- 
ment . 



.1 t'i 'tu'ld* 



. * its :■■ i. r i. 









:.■■> t 



No. 22 



- 2 - 



Jan. 8, 1919 



U. S. Pood Admn, 



Mr. Hoover to represent U. S. Food Admn. on Inter-Allied 
Food Council, in addition to acting as Dir. Gen. of 
European Relief. 



U. S. Fuel Admn. 



Adiainistrator Garfield reports that American coal will be 
farreaching diplomatic weapon in settling social unrest 
in Europe. 



U. S. Shipping Board 1. 



2. 



Board reports that its Division of Operation is organisir. 
force of Lien who will be its personal representatives ana 
therefore accredited officers of U. S. government on 
board government-owned merchant vessels. Board has re- 
vised title of "super- car go" fot these men. 

Statement of Mr. Hurley to correspondent of N. Y. Sun in- 
dicates, tftdt plans are being made to return 250,000 men 
a month in summer. Bulk of U. S. men home before end of 
October, Mr. Hurley predicts. 



War Trade Board 



1. Canadian trappers are provided with market for furs, and 
manufacturers ..re given new source of supplies under ordsr 
by Board which permits granting of general import license? 
to firms agreeing to report the receipt of furs from 
sources other than Canada and to hold them subject to dis- 
position of Board. 

2. Pleasure boats to cruise between ports of U. S. and E. 
Bermuda and West Indies may now procure licenses for fual 
coal, valid for period of three months, board announces. 

3. Board announces that individual applications for export 
licenses for France will no longer be referred to French 
High Commission and that individual applications for ex- 
port licenses for Italy will no longer be referred to 
Italian High Commission. 



Federal Trade Commission 



Chairman Colver stated before House Interstate Committee 
that operation of refrigerator cars by independent meat 
packers was "theoretically possible but in reality a 
losing venture. " Railroads furnish such poor service to 
small packers that tney soon find they cannot afford to 
continue operation of cars, Mr. Colver says. 



Labor 



Reconstruction Committee of Farm Bureau officers and 
County Commissioners of Manhattan. Kansas, have petition?' 
War Dept. to speed demobilization of soldiers for spring 
labor on farms t 



Industry 



On account of cancellation of wooden ship contracts in 
Portland, Oregon, ship-yards, local lumber industry ad- 
versely affected, some forced to close down or reduce 
shifts. 



a-.. «• 
'.. ■. i ■ ■ : 



:,.'.'■. 



li.' ..' . .-'j ,^/..f(':'"i...; 



>X«.CVAi 



..;■*-• -i 



.. ruv,> 



. ; .•< . 



i "... :,*£.' 



•■..>• 






;.j.i 



. ..«.»%' 



.£KJ 



.10 . ;: . . ..J...- 1 ;.-.;..- tci 



No. 33 



"3*. 



Jan. 8, 1919. 



Conventions 



Organized labor in N. Y. state will meet in convention in 
Albany Jan. 16 to take up various problems of reconstruction 
and outline plans for safeguarding of workers' interest. 



FOREIGN 



Socialist and 
labor Congress 



Demobilization 



Trade Relations 



British, French and Belgians Sollaborate in summoning' ishat 
they term an International Socialist and Labor Congress at 
Laus anne , Sw± t z e rland . 

London Press reflects strong and general demand from most 
influential British newspapers for prompt meeting of peace 
conference, with early action of stem tide of fchaos 
threatening Germany because of introduction of Bofchevism by 
way of border states. States also that chief desire of 
British people is to have army demobilized as quickly as 
possible. 

Correspondent in Washington Post states that "Great Britain' 
colonial dependencies, without waiting for action by the 
Imperial government in London, are taking immediate action 
in the all- important matter of the 3;onomic boycott of 
Germans. " 



; «■ I - f 



.. .;--■ P ;>j 



- 



. ~ .«,.■? 



I ■/y.-.rv.v : .; .:. 






UC. 



J.. ,- ^ -» . 
;. ■ i. . .. . • 



!x*-;: 



'( 



Director's office 
Council of National Def3nse 




January 9, 1919 



No, 



33. 

as 



DAILY DIGEST OF RECONSTRUCT ION NEWS 



Executive 



Pres. Wilson states, in speech at Milan, "I am as keenly aware 
as anybody can.be that the social structure rests upon the 
great working classes of the world; that those working classes 
in several countries *** have by their consciousness of 
community of interest, by their consciousness of community of 
spirit, done perhaps more than any other influence has to 
establish world opinion*" 



U. S, Congress 



Sen. Kellogg of Minnesota introduced bill Jan. 7 proposing 
federal control of telegraph, telephone, cable and radio 
facilities, by extending power of Interstate Commerce Commissio. 



State Dept. 



1. Serbian Legation notified State 1 Dept. Jan. 7 that it had be- 
come the Legation of new joint kingdom of Series, Slovenes and 
Croats. 

3. Representatives of Syrian Christians and native of Mesopotamia 
in U. S, have submitted^ to State Dept. for transmission to 
Peace Conference, petition asking that Mesopotamia, including 
provinces of Karput and Diarbiker, be placed under control of 
America, England and France until people able to govern them- 
selves. 



Treasury Dapt. 1. 



3. 



3. 



Col. H. D, Lindsley, head of War Risk Insurance Bureau, stated 
Jan. 8 that conversions of War Risk Insurance held by soldiers, 
sailors, marines and war workers into permanent peace-time 
policies would be started within SO days. 

Treasury report states that internal revenue tax collections 
for five months between July 1 and Dec. 1, 1918, amounted to 
$621,697,000. 

War Risk Insurance Bureau sends out calls for stenographers, 
typists and clerks with Civil Service Status. 



War Dept. 



1. Asst. Sec. Crowell states, in letter to Sen. Fletcher, that 
War Dept. is strongly convinced that enactment of bill pro- 
viding for establishment of adjustment commission to decide all 
cases of cancellation of existing valid contracts or orders of 
War Dept. would cause great and unjustifiable delay. 

3. Ordnance Dept. of Interallied Bureau of Statistics published 
figures Jan. 8 showing that production of munitions in this 
country had grown so rapidly that in last months of war U. S, 
was far ahead of Great Britain and France. 



:■ . .-■;■•:: 0",'. V IBSCi.- T2j 



■ 






■ ai.A.".. :: 






:;.::{. JC.N . ' 



oil .. 



T. . ' 



t: It.:- so ::. 



..':. 



i ■ . 



: ■ L ::^i.u. --Ve 
i... - i".c r :.* 1- -' '.' 




V .T 



■'■J. 



23 



•3- 



Jan. 9, 1919. 



War Dept. 



3. Dept, announces that "under provisions of act of Congress 
approved Mar. 30, 1918, all commanding officers are author- 
ized to enlist former anlisted men of Army of U. S« who were 
discharged to accept a commission in any component part of 
Army of U, 3., and v\ho, having been discharged from such 
commissions, tender themselves for enlistment within 3 months 
after termination of their commissioned service." **** 



Agriculture Dept* 1. 



Bureau of Public Roads states that 29 states will need 103,541 
returned soldiers and sailors for road building this year. Of 
this number, 11,637 must be skilled workers. Bureau announced 
Jan. 8 that 38 states had replied to its inquiry but that 9 
failed to give figures. 



2. Federal Migratory Bird Law of 1913, under which government for 
first time exerted authority over prescribed "closed seasons" 
for wild birds, was in effect declared invalid Jan. 7 by- 
Supreme Court of U. S, 

3, Sec. Houston said in address to Ass'n, of American Agricul- 
tural Colleges and Experiment Stations, meeting at Baltimore, 
Jan. 8, that peace finds American Agriculture on a substan- 
tially 9ound foundation and developing in the right direction. 



Commerce Dept. 



Census Bureau announced Jan. 8 final statistics of American 
cotton crop of 1917. Production placed at 11,248,242 running 
bales, and worth $1,532,690,000 to the growers. Production of 
cotton seed amounted to 5,040,000 tons, worth $333,550,000. 
For "cotton year" ended July 31, 1918, consumption amounted 
to 6,566,489 bales, exclusive of linters. 



Civil Service 
Commission 



Commission announced Jan. 7 that it has written to Census 
Committee of House and Benate asking them to consider giv- 
ing such preference to cierks who gfcined experience in govern- 
ment during war and are losing positions through termination 
of war. 



Snipping Board 



Board announced Jan. 8 that vessels of neutral count ?j? s now 
under charter to Shipping Board will be released as fast as 
existing contracts expiree 



R. R. Admn. 1. Exports Control Committee of R. R. Admn. reports steady increa?e 

in the overseas movement of freight since signing of armistice 
with an incidental accumulation at Atlantic and Gulf ports. 

2. Admn. announced Jan. 8 that an annual rental of $53,603,457 

is provided in government contract with the Pa. Lines East and 
6 subsidiaries. 





■ i *'• ' I 


.;.. . ■',■ 




, ~ t- 


• ■■-... ,.. 


•ft . 

■1 • 


a.liiii 


* -- , 



■; txu 



. - ..o ,.*• . • .-::oo LI,. ■ Li£ 
.■ v..n. .. :: • £wttij...i •• 

. *» , - J* ■ . .-■..*,*../ . ',• . -■ '- .-. ' '• IV l . J.' I 1 , • . .1* - • 



*. *• - ■«! *« ' * • '• i> '* -. *. f-> i*_ •*. *- i, ** 

. . :' J,-'.:.- • f ■;■;.-: '' -v ...' - .-.• £«:;.. . hi? 

. :•: . it ■: •: ti .i . J.- t sf.slv 

„': v.: ■ o? ■ . ': 



4 ^. 

■:.<x 



ICi 



.,-.-. v. -.;• ,':.£v , I ::: • J inlv. T.o *...•?. ,.ci ,\f. •••„•.-. 
it'ii' ' : stV.5 v.? '..■:".%'/. '■■■■•?'. ; :'• ■;■•!? :b-s; 
.'. vr. J ,'.< w..X&«:i. •''.•'• •• / >.ili.C .tXiv i.o'; 






I 



; Ed •; : .'.li. ::. ;;x..-. :v)'3\:.?ii 












: .. ■: :■: ■■...■ s* .: .' i •. .i; \ .r.i.X- t-.pm.' :. 

l-.-x;.i.'. .'! :• • ' .:■. .." .:. •■?£»:■■•■«. j;;j* s^jcio:! id ic^; 



. i ::■-■■ . 



I X>..!.iC;: 






„■ ii : .nr.'x ■ 




: 1. ■ a ■ 



.;; .'■ J.y. 



. ..( • i.'r;. . 



;'iai"Ji,Xi.'iIi/C-Si.. £.. ■■ 



. .■- l-'i.Ali.: i; 



Mb. 33 



Jan, 9, 1919* 



Euel Adnm. 



Admn. issued orders Jan. 8 designed to end waste of natural 
gas which has been estimated as equivalent to the consumption 
of 800,000.000,000 cubic feet a year. 



War Trade Board 



U. S. Tariff Coram. 



Board issued series of orders Jan. 8 removing many export 
restrictions thereby making American products more largely 
available to "the less favored nations of the world," 

In report on dyes and coal tar chemicals, Commission states 
that it has drafted bill embodying forty-five amendments to 
present dye stuffs tariff which it recommends Congress enact 
into law, 



Federal Trade Coram, Chrm.. Colver stated Jan. 8 before House Interstate Commerce 

Committee that stock y.ards in thirty three cities are controls 
by the five big packers, 16 jointly by two or more of the 
packers and 17 by one of them. 



Railroads 1. 



Railroad executives have decided to recommend to Congress a 
system of unified private management of rail lines with strong 
public control execcised by Sec. of Transportation in Presi- 
dent's Cabinet, and a reorganized I. C. C. with regional divi- 
sions acting as court of last resort in rate disputes. 

Farmers 1 Nat'l Reconstruction Conference in session at Washing- 
ton passes resolution, Jan. 8, recommending immediate enaatmen ; 
by Congress of legislation providing for permanent government 
ownership and operation of railroads. 



Demobilization 



F R E I ON 
Aviation 

India 

Labor 



Formation of the Returned Soldiers' Co-operative Lumber Co., 
Ltd-, with authorized capitalization of $10, 000,000 by prom- 
inent British Columbians announced in Vancouver. It is planne 
to operate 8 large saw mills in the province and to employ 
1.500 returned soldiers* 



Maj . Gen. Sykes, Cnief of British Air Staff, stated that Briti- 
Government looked forward to weekly mail service to India. 
Anothev route contemplated is from Cape Colony to Cairo. 

At Nationalistic Congress convening at Delhi, India, resolu- 
tion adopted favoring full provincial autonomy and against 
special electorates for Europeans. 

Labor correspondent of London Times states that objedt of 
"World Labor Congress" to be held in Lausanne, Switzerland, 
is to make known opinion of working classes of all countries 
on terms of peace, especially establishment of League of ' .1 : 
Nations. 



,11 • 



■>i v 



.. . , i^J .. i. 



- r 



'.' ■ . "I.."-' ,.-. 



■• 'iO' *!. 5 ■- * -.I V.lj;.it: -;; 



l~ :.7 ■ • .. _ .-:..r 



it a -• • 

■i -, 



" Pv, 



,t V'rt 



' .-.. 



;K-i 



,.:. ... . 






. - 



• .. .. . 1. 






; L. 



'■ 



:. \ 



■ .-■ : 






':., 



U ^ I 



Director's Of r ice 
Council of National Defense --VZ January 10, 1919. 

DAILY DXBESX'fQF RECONSTRUCTION NEWS 
No» 24. 



U. S, Congress 1. Informal army contracts, involving $1,600,000 in tnis 

country and almost as much abroad, were validated in 
legislation which passed the House Jan. 9. 

2, Chrin. Clark of House Committee on Public Buildings and 
Grounds introduced bill Jan. 9 proposing appointment of 
commission to acquire for the government land on south 
side of Pennsylvania ^-ve. , Washington, between Capitol 
and Treasury for public buildings. 

3« Opposition of various Senators, on grounds that it would 
permit unsafe banking, presented Senate taking up for 
consideration Jan. 9, legislation introduced at sugges- 
tion of Federal Reserve Board making certain changes in 
management of reserve bonks. 

4. 0. T. Mallery of Dept. of Labor, stated before Senate 
Education and Labor Committee that extensive unemployment 
will result unless immediate and effective governmental 
counter measures are taken to avert it. Urged that pub- 
lic works be used "as a buffer employment to absorb the 
shock of demobilization and cancellation of war orders," 
and proposed creation of a Federal Emergency Public 
Works Board, 

5. Announcement made Jan. 9 by Rep. Clark of Florida that 
Union Station Plaza housing project for war workers will 
be completed. 

War Dept. 1. Sec. Baker stated before House Committee on Public Build- 
ings and Grounds, Jan. 8, that housing facilities for 
government employees in Washington are not adequate and 
will not be for next year. 

2. Dept. announced. Jan. 9 that it had made a reclassifica- 
tion of Army hospitals so that similar cases will be 
grouped at certain hospitals for treatment. 

3. Gen Rees of War Dept. and Prof. *'rskine of Colmbia Univ. 
have arrived in Pc^ris to organise a system of education- 
al work among the officers and men of -American Enyi'orces . 
Appointment is result of offer made by French government 
to place French educational institutions at disposal of 
American forces. 

Commerce Dept. 1, Bureau of Foreign and Domestic Commerce presents state- 
ment of imports and exports according to a new and uni- 
form classification of international trade statistics. 

2. Bureau of Foreign and Domestic Commerce has issued sta- 
tistical report showing German trade with each country 
by articles in such detail that goods ordinarily in de- 
mand in the various markets can be learned* 



24 



January 10, 1S19 



bor Dept, 



Extension of parcel post system in rural districts and 
greater use of surfaced roads throughout country as a 
means of augmenting the hauling capacity of railroads is 
one argument put forward "by F. T. Miller, Chairman of 
division of Public Works of Dept. of Labor, in favor of 
tne $300,000,000 road-building program proposed by the 
Dept. for 1919. 



U. S. Fuel Admn. 



All orders and regulations as to fuel conservation, ex- 
cepting one relating to natural gas, were withdrawn Jan. 
9 by Fuel Admn. 



U. S. Food Admn. 



1. Dir. Gen. ox European Relief Hoover estimates tnat 
1,400,000 tons of food, costing about $350,009,000, will 
have to be distributed between now and next harvest to 
prevent starvation in stricken districts. 

2. Walter L. Fisner, Counsel for Marketing Committee of 
Anerican National Live Stock Ass'n. , stated beiore Senate 
Interstate Commerce Committee that he predicted an era 

of extreme profiteering in meat prices after tne Food 
Admn. ceases to function unless control of private cars, 
stock-yards and terminal refrigerator plants be taken 
from the packers. 



Finance 



1. Sen. Owen of Okla. states as view, after conferences with 
European financiers, tnat high prices prevailing in Europe 
and America are due in part to expanded foreign paper 
currency, and that American Reserve Baj>ks would be highly 
advantageous in making the American gold dollar the mea- 
sure of international contracts, and tnus expanding Amer- 
i can c omoe re© ' ab r oad . 

2. Ann ounce merit made by J. P. Morgan & Co. Jan. 9 that a 
study of financial conditions in China, will be made by 
J. J. Abbott, V. P. of Continental 3c Commercial Trust 
and Savings Bank of Cnicago representing an American 
group of baiikers which has considered a loan to that 
country. 



Interna tion 
Relations 



Official statement from London asserts that associated 
governments of U. S. , Great Britain, France and Italy 
have decided to establish a supreme war council consisting 
of 2 representatives each to deal with questions of food, 
finance and snipping resources with relation to revict- 
ualizing and supplying liberated and enemy territory 
and to coordinate such work with that done for Allied 
and neutral countries. 



) -'i 



.J 




No. 24. 



- 3 - 



Ju,nu^ry 10, 1919 



FOREIGN 



Reconstruction 



British "Machinery of Government Committee" recommends a 
small cabinet, preferably of 10 men, which can meet fre- 
quently and be supplied in most convenient form with all 
information enabling it to arrive at decision in most ex- 
peditious manner. 



Political 



Demobilization 



Returned Soldiers' Political Federation has been formed by 
affiliation of the soldiers' political parties, in Victoria, 
New South Wales, and Queensland, Australia. Piatiorm out- 
lined in Daily Review of Foreign Press, Reconstruction 
Supplement, Nov. 6, 18 

Estimated by correspondent of Journal of Commerce that en- 
tire Porto.- Rican force of 12,000 men will be out of camp 
by Jan. 15. 



Trade Relations 



Chilean Government lias introduced in Parliament a bill 
which would prohibit the exportation of leather during 
1919. 



Railroads 



According to London Daily Mail, British Ministry of Recon- 
struction has embarked upon a scheme of rural development 
by construction of large number of light railways to con- 
nect country districts with main railways. 



.Employment 



Cz echo- Slovakia, the world's newest republic, first country 
in Europe to adopt 8-hour work day by law. Has also adopt- 
ed means of insuring the workers and demobilized soldiers 
against unemployment. 




Director's Office 
'Council of National Defense "") January 11, 1919 

DAILY DIGEST OF RECONSTRUCTION NEWS 
No. 25 I 1/ 



Executive 1« Pres. Wilson called on, Jan, 10, "by Government officials to 

aid in settlement of strike of New York Harbor workersv 

2, First bill presented to Pres, Wilson by Congress for signa- 
ture while abroad was measure authorizing payment of trans- 
portation home of war workers leaving government service* 

U. S. Congress 1* A temporary naval force of 225,000 enlisted men ior year be- 
ginning next July was decided on, Jan, 10, by House Naval 
Sub-Committee. 

2. House Appropriations Committee Jan. 11 reported the legisla- 
tive, executive judicial bill carrying the $120 bonus voted 
government employees last year. 

Provision for investigation of salary situation by joint con- 
gressional committee carried in the bill. 

3. House bill providing for distinguished service naval insignia 
similar to that authorised for army was passed Jan. 9 by 
Senate. 

4. Conferees on War Revenue Bill fix corporation tax of 12$ on 
1918 earnings, and 10$ instead of 8$ thereafter. 

State Dept. House Appropriations Committee Bill reported Jan. 11 abolishe 

title of Counselor of Dept. and substitutes title of Under- 
secretary of State. 

Treasury Dept. 1, Sec. Glass announced Jan. 10 that Department is considering 

modification of regulations preventing sale of bonds for 
foreign countries in U. S. 

2 ( Department preparing a new agent's certificate of authoriza- 
tion for 1919 for sale of U, S. W, S. S. and Thrift Stamps. 

3. Col. Lindsley, Director of War Risk Insurance Bureau, stated 
to House Rules Committee Jan. 10 that organization had not 
functioned properly, but that now for first time authority 
was concentrated in Director. Congressional investigation 
would not be opposed by Bureau, he said. Comndttee agreed 
to take no step toward immediate investigation* 



» 



4, ^Department announces that it has 'selected likeness of Frank- 
lin to adorn 1919 issue of W. S. S» 



' ' . 



. 1\ 



> 



llo. 25. -2- January 11, 1919 



War Dept* 1» Gen* Kenly, Director of Military Aeronautics, announces that 

every effort will be made to provide employment for enlisted 
Lien of Air Service after their discharge from service. 

2, Stir. Gen. Ireland issues instructions that e^-ch injured sol- 
dier returning from overseas shall he placed under care of 
specialized surgeons. 

3* Ordnance Dept. announces that all surplus, unused or obsolete 
construction and manufacturing materials, etc., left over at 
time of cancellation or termination of Ordnance contracts, o? 
surplus at arsenals and supply depots will be ordered sold or 
stored by sub-committee on sale of material or Salvage Board. 

4. Maj. Gen. Squires, Chief Signal Officer of U. S. A,, in ad- 
dress before Amer. Inst, of Elec. Engineers said that avia- 
tion development in U* S» during war was "more like a fairy 
tale than the statement of hard' facts. n 

5. Dir. of Military Aeronautics has ruled against the shooting ■• 
of wild fowl with machine guns from airplanes. 

Justice Dept* By authority of Atty. Gen* of U. S. the national directors 

present plan for dissolution of Amer. Protective League on 
Feb. 1, 1919. 

Post Office Dept* Injunction suit brought by Comm'l, Cable Co. and Comm'l. 

Pacific Cable Co. to restrain P.M.G. Burleson from taking 
over for government their cable lines and merging them with 
lines controlled by Western Union Tel. Co. was dismissed 
Jan. 10 by Federal Judge Hand, N. Y. Counsel for the com- 
panies announced that an appeal would be taken. 

Interior Dept. Sec. Lane urged immediate consideration by Congress of 

$100,000,000 appropriation asked f or -by Depti for reclamatior 
and occupation of 215,000,000 acres of tillable soil by re- 
turned soldiers, :at meeting in House. Jan. 10. 

Agriculture Dept. 1* Dept. has sent 2 of its experts to Europe to secure informa- 
tion, concerning clover, grass, and vegetable seed stocks and 
requirements in various European countries. 

2, Treasury Dept. and Dept. of Agriculture is roe joint statement 
I giving regulations governing the making of seed-grain loans 

by government to farmers in drought- stricken areas for spring 
wheat planting in 1919. 



No. 



-3- 



Janu-ry 11, 1919 



Commerce Dept. 



House Appropriations Committee Bill reported Jaru 10 pro- 
poses $905 r 000 for Bureau, of Foreign and Domestic Commerce 
for expansion of America's foreign trade* 



L-boi' Dept. 



1. Director Cannon of "Handicapped'' Bureau of Dept. stated that 
95% of "handicapped" - over-^ge, crippled, etc., - men and 
women, had been placed in positions, some receiving annual 
salaries of $7,500« 

2. Dept. predicts a great volume of business for Ut, S„ in re- 
building Northern France and Belgium, provided industry in 
this country is in position to -ccept orders. 



Civil Service Commission Commission announces that Ordn-nce Dept. is in need of ac- 
countants ^.nd that Income Tax Unit of Bureau of Internal 
Revenue is in need of traveling auditors «nd resident audi to- 
and Comia, is receiving applications for these positions. 



WLr Trade Board 



1. Board h-s ~rr_nged simplified procedure with respect to appli 
cations covering shipments to Sweden, but no consideration 
will be given to such applications until certain conditions 
have been complied with* 

2. Board has received advice th-t wood-working and other nuchin- 

ery may be imported into Great Britain without necessity of 
obtaining an individual import license therefor. 



U, S. Shipping Boardl. 



2. 



Board announces th~t neutal ,vessels will hereafter be -llowec 
to charter to the various time charterers ^s in pre -War time? 

Board issues statement to efxect ttL.t over 3,000 men in uni- 
form h-*ve recently signed c.-rds ~t the camps stating that 
they wished to enter Merchant 1-L.rine on quitting Army. 



Fuel Admn. 



Admn. announced J-»n. 10 that it is withdrawing its super- 
vision over the supplying of coal to other government de- 
partments. 

Admn. has tabulated authentic statistics from reports m_de by 
4,000 clay-products companies representing practically the 
entire industry, of what each one actually saved during firs 
six months of 1918. According to letters received by Admn. ^ 
lessons of economy resulted in actual profit to industry anc' 
labor bodies. 



.-.. i: oil i.i\'Z: . ". 



.-.. .. > i ■' >•.. - :. 



•V .) : 



, . . . ,*■ 



j.- -. . ; > 



.;:. , 



; j 






. . ,. i.\\v 



No. 25 



-4- 



January 11,1919 



■.trade delations 



W» H« I4mss, a director in W« I* B* and a vice president of 
B« & 0, R a E« told representatives of Advisory Council to- 
Executive Committee of Chamber of Comraerce of U. S« that 
France as an af ter-the-war market for American products 
has "been over-estimated. Urged supplying if exports for 
South America and increased activity in road building and 
other public improvements in U, S. 



F OREIGN 
Trade 



Aviation 



Cable from Ccn, Gen- at London dated Jan. 6, states that 
Ministry of Shipping announces increased tonnage available 
for bringing imports to Great Britain by 10,000,000 tons 
of goods a year. Amount of space available for co^jrercial 
cargo in North America is doubled and instead of cargo 
competing for space, space is now competing for cargo. 

Air Mail Service established between London and Glasgow, 
via Newcastle and Edinburgh, One machine runs each way 
daily. 



i' 



..,'... 




Director's Office 
Council of National Defense V jU January 13, 1919. 

DAILY DIGEST OF RECONSTRUCTION WvS^ 



No. 26. 



!i 



Executive Cabled request of Pres. Wilson resulted/in end of New York's 

dock strike, Jan. 11. / 

U.S. Congress 1.. Rep. Burnett of Ala., at request of Atty. Gen., introduced 

bill Jan. 10 providing for expulsion and exclusion of certain 
"undesirable aliens," from U.S. 

2. House conpleted work Jan. 11, on annual appropriation bill 
. carrying $26,900,000 for river and harbor improvements. 

3. Sen. Galder of N. Y. opposed purchase by U. 3, of International 
Mercantile Marine's British tonnage merely because Great 
Britain also was bidding for it. Held that this country should 
be able to build new war vessels at lower cost. 

4. Provision for employment by State Dept. of 25 new consuls and 
150 vice consuls was written into 1920 Diplomatic Appropriation 
Hill Jan. 11. Tnis is in furtherance of plan of after-war ex- 
tension of American commerce. 

iin appropriation of $3,000,000 for purchase of embassies in 
foreign countries was also approved by House Foreign affairs 
Committee. 

State Dept. Dept.. taking steps to bring home from Turkey sitae 3,500 native 

and naturalized Americans who have been there during war. 

Treasury Dept, 1. Opening of Fifth Liberty Loan campaign on April 6, anniversary 

of America's entrance into war is under consideration by 
Treasury officials. 

2. To Safeguard buyers of $100 and $1000 war savings stamps 

against loss a plan of registration is now being worked out by 
officials. 

War Dept. 1. Gen. March gives figures of organization designated for demo- 

bilization as follows: Sum total of troops in U. 3. given in 
this statement in classes of service amounts to 1,055,000. 
Overseas troops already returned to U. S. and designated for 
discharge 96,000. These figures do not include sick and 
casuals who came back separately. 

2. Dept. ordered Jan. 13 that aerial navigation maps are included 
in permanent military maps to be prepared and kept up to date 
in records of Department. 

Justice Dept, Atty. Gen. Gregory has rsfused to allow certain papers from 

N. Y, requested by Senate comiidttee investigating German prop- 
aganda to be submitted to that committee. 



i : • •■: 

.1 i. . iC- I 



>,!■-■:•■ 






■ j-t. ,r. 






t. *...-.. i . 



-*. ,'. . --. ; 



. .. :r!> - , 



.;■'? : ;. •. ;.' ■:. w .J.; .ru.t.. .-i-s-vi' L«s3 .'. - ■.-.• r. «,-;« 



.'.:■'■ :. .- •• . «.•' ■ ■; ■ i :,{•.;. 



4 :■ i'. 



: •. . t . u i *l- x v X A r '• w i. Jw .. . . 



>.■'.• .' £*!.■• Ji„.i^ 



J ;• vr : v.i M .hi 



* t. i.i, i . . . , . A 



■C.lfc- 



*ju 






/ tasonpit :..: -.01 EtOXSiVDlT 
•U'ti. s2i •:•:'.(: :.< ■■ *.It.v Bay L.-.uicc r»o..rv O'il 
:•. ' ' • : - .-. .."u:": :..'. ^i «* .- • £! «£M-l< XXi'v 
■-•"•i- . :.:-o m:?},'. ..-.. 'to Boien'. ; 

;;;,M :v .x: :c'I 



I j :. j»VV " • 









,:•■■ 



■ .:l i."2Si£.TU\ 




. ." 'i 



. * > 



No. 26 



-O-. 



January 13, 1919. 



Post Office Dept. 



Interior Dept. 



P.M. G. Bufleson charges widespread dissemination of pro- 
paganda to create dissatisfaction with increased wage 
scale for telegraph employees granted by Dept. 

Sec. Lane urged cooperation of entire nation in spreading 
to the alien population of U. S. the spirit and truths of 
Americanism, and in ending illiteracy among native born 
Americans, at Americanization dinner in N. Y. Jan. 11, 



Agriculture Dept. 



Dept. announced Jan. 13 that 39,000,000,000 cigarettes 
were produced in U, S. last year, and so far as Dept, has 
been able to ascertain practically all will be used in 
U.S. This represents 4 times as many cigarettes as were 
produced seven years ago. 



Labor Dept. 



1. Dept. announced establishment of new division entitled 
Division of Public Works and Construction Development, to 
make survey of bysiness conditions in aid of industry. 

2. Bureau of Immigration announced Jan. 12 that statistics 
show that from April 1, 1917, to September 30, 1918, a 
total of 178,362 immigrants arrived in U.S. and that 
123,676 departed. 



R. R. Admn, 



1. Dir. Gen. Hines telegraphed to regional directors, Jan. 11: 
"Mr. McAdoo's policies are my policies, and I intend to 
carry them out through the existing railroad organizations' 

3. Div.of Traffic announced Jan. 12 that agricultural agents 

of railroads have been instructed to gather all available 
information concerning farm lands along thedr lines open 
for lease or occupation by returning soldiers. 



War Trade Board 1. 



2. 



Fuel Admn. 



Board announces new regulations governing procedure with 
respect to issuance of licenses for exportation of c ;r- 
tain commodities to Holland and Denmark. 

Board announced Jan. 12 that shipping preference enjoyed 
by other commodities consigned to east coast of South 
America will be extended hereafter/ cement and lumber. 

Report of special commission states that it will require 
3 years to bring coal mines in Northern France to full 
production. 



i» 



Food Admn. 



Washington dispatch to N. Y. Herald says food conditions 
do not warrant expectation of low5r food prices. 



-11 



,i. I V". ..yju 



■i?_fiJ:sy' 



•.-.. 'i -Ait: t- v . .;•; no;; ii:-'l .0 ..' 






. ' : '/ v 1 •* • . , r. r .., . ■!■ *- ; s, r, I*--, r • * • ■-;-*-. •", '••i - ■> 



i oi 






<■}..: . i . ... 
.. i .;'.. ;:; -V." 



I C ... . ,' 

...• n.. vi 



• •• Tul .'■■ .'' .:. fci 4 Jt/;'.;rtq : 'J v. 
-.•x'o-t ; i^it'.-t -•> oJ eiij'i. •••, • ■*' 






n." . o' 'lo vsvx; 



,::.-/•• i':iJ 



'.vi* t i (i.; ..ly ■ t 



»- . • vliA.' V. u.«. 



;*!;•• iJ^^i-.UU t- /:j_: "., '"'. 









•tii 






.£ 



^. '.; 



i ..:. 



v £; 



: i .••vt'..iT.f».ni .i' ^ ',v>..i .-:.!% .---tXi*. t ~-o 
tin.',* rit-'i jj/Tlrni-ar!'".- :•." i + •"..■rt.-'xr.i 

:in":.'J 1 ytf «.rx;,. ■. ..•■■• : . v-I -:r-'.! 



iECEIVECiv 



n if...X*r' ..-. 



J. . '■: 



kit ijl .1 \i„ J 



1- IJH 



< 
, a. 
1 HI 
J....... A . r ' . ; I'A..,.*... -. (*/ • - *C Q 

:J>i..*lv.'w v.- ...A.' •*:..;. .- a J.» . •? ,J 

i-,:J:.i .?■■ -r / /*:•!-„■« 



Sitt £.1 .«*.».■ :• :.:.,.'.v 



J .:..'. ^.: ■:ci- ; f. i;-:-n'.?o I- ii 

...;-' :', : :i I-. ; i... cc ' -sit 



H'. 0-3 




..V> ner/.j fHCE OF SECRETARY" 



> 



.! J "X" \ X 



.- J. ■ • . '-■ ■ .... ^ « . ■. 



:.t .1-. .■ 



No. 36 



-3- 



January 13, 191s*, 



Shipping Board 



Nat'l Defense 



Shipping 






Trade Relations 



Board announces that it is now prepared to give freight 
rates for all oversea traffic, both outward and inward 
bound, also through rates ffom foreign markets via ports 
of U. S. 

1. Consolidated Gas Co, of N. Y. is permitted by Government 
to-state that nation's. gas companies "washed out" of their 
product virtually all the toluol required by government 

in manufacture of T. N. T. 

2. National Rifle Ass'n. and Nat'l Board for Promotion of 
Rifle Practice Announced that rifle practice on a larger 
scale will be encouragSd this year and that plans have 
been adopted to that end. 

1. United States, Great Britain and Italy have agreeA upon 
plan for taking over German passenger tonnage, France not 
included as she got bulk of Austrian passenger tonnage. 

U. S. will pay Norway $11,000,000 for ships requisitioned. 
"'all St. Journal 1-11 

2. Announcement made Jan. 13 that prominent representatives 
of industrial, trade and shipping interests are coming to 
Washington for conference on American merchant marine Jan. 
22 and 23. 



Stated at Pan-American Union that representatives of bank- 
ing, commercial, and manufacturing interests of middle 
west will leave soon for Central America for purpose of 
promoting better trade and financial relations with 
Latin-American countries. 



Labor 



Education 



Church Reconstruction 



FOREIGN 



Government 
Aliens 



Me tat Trades dept. of A. F. of L. announces that an agres- 
ment. between Bethlehem Ship Building Co. and the 13 inter- 
national unions comprising the Metal Trades dept. of 
A. F. of L. has been reached whereby tte unions are rec- 
ognized as representing the employees. 

Georgetown University, Washington, announced Jan. 11 estab- 
lishment of a school of foreign service, covering foreign 
languages and various phases of foreign trade as permanent 
addition to University. 

Announcement made Jan. 11 of apportionment of fund of 
$10,000,000 for after-war needs to 'je raised by 14 
Protestant denominations. 

New British Cabinet officially announced Jan. 10 

Military authorities of Gt . Britain havs decided that it 
is no longer necessary to retain enemy civilians of mili- 
tary age, and deportation of interned persons of military 
age from camps began Jan. 6 when 750 civilians left for 
Germany. During Dec. 630 interned alien enemies, either 
invalids or men orer military age went hack to their own 
countries. 






.t- i: 



^..r: 









•.nfto.tr;.- a-oktzvi'l ■ : 
.,•;..:••.::' • J lib- L 
ts.it oi :.-.'... ..... .. 



. . *x -j ? <..• 1 ■•■' , a-v.' :; 



:ia. • -v. • ft* 
; " • rj i V ..10"-'. '.' 

/;-: . •■•:• 



I.: 1.i. 



•i '• 






:\ at}?. 



r. 'T :'i.i 



,.:i; .:. :.- 



■r. . * :i-.i7:jC: 







.■■:. •*!, \ .., 
ens." ,*•' 



r, c 1 *■ 
; .1. 



r : 



• ■ • 1 * ■■ 

: _ 1 ■• -. 



!•' -:i 



" I 



v.3«:j". - 






Director's Office 
Council of National Defense (/\ January 14, 1919 

DAILY DIGESTIF RECONSTRUCTION NEWS. 



No. 37. 



U. S. Congress 1. Appropriation of $100,000,000 for famine relief in Europe 

approved Jan. 13 by House. Bill now goes to Senate. 

3. Sen. Spencer of Mo. introduced bill for establishment of 
a cemetery in France for burial of bodies of American 
officers and men losing their lives in war. 

Treasury Dept. 1. Sec. Glass states that no consideration is being given a 

proposal to float "Fifth Liberty Loanff through the banks 
instead of by popular subscription. 

3. Lewis Franklin, Director of newly created war-loan organi- 
zation states that because of many complaints reaching 
Washington to effect that private agencies have been es- 
tablished in various cities for traffic in W. S. S. and 
Liberty Bonds, he has asked news-dieseminating agencies 
of country to cooperate in spreading information which 
will tend to offset this tendency. 

3. Savings Division Announces that Friday, Jan. 17, will be 
celebrated nationally as "Thrift Day". At same time 1919 
campaign for sale of w « S, S. and Shrift stamps will be 
formally begun. 

4, Sur. Gen. of Public Health Service has appealed through a 
proclamation to c lergymen to set aside Feb, 9 as Health 
Sunday, and to preach sermons emphasizing raponsibility 
of nation to protect returning soldiers and sailors and 
communities at large. Dr. Blue also requests inauguration 
of vigorous measures for combating social diseases. 

4 

War Deptf 1. Maj. Gen. Crowder declared before 700 members of local 

draft boards at Chicago meeting that "after a year and a 
half of experience it is now generally conceded that the 
plan of the selective service system was fundamentally 
sound. " 

3. Office of Sur. Gen. 6tates that a pneumonia vaccine which 
has shown evidence of protective value will be administred 
to all soldiers who desire it before they are discharged. 

Labor Dept. National War Labor Board, convened by cabled request of 

Pres. Wilson, Jan. 13 decided over the objections of 
private N. Y. harbor boat owners to make a finding in 
dispute betwesn employers and crews. 

. 

Council of Nat'l Defense Council announced Jan. 13 appointment of John S. Cravens 

as Chairman of Highways Transport Committee of C. of N.D. 
to succeed Roy D. Chapin, who has returned to pricafce 
business . 






- J. i, .* .t. 






/ a ft.. I 



»:/. 






1..ii-..--.: 



vi'':.m' '•;*,: ?..?; ..:•*:> ;\i f>J*/s ; —■■..■ v: -ri tar; •-•- ;.■■- 
. ••. • - ■ . » - ■ * *•. • ** - * r ■ , - • 



. ; '4 ......... f ., ^ ., . . 

" :'. .•»£$ i:.:. . . . \o i i. ■■• V-': :• J.: 



• . 1 .. :*•:.;.'•■ 

• • JLJL . . : • , i ■:,'.:.:■ i\ ! . . v ! 






.....>■ . 






No. 27 



-2- 



January 14, 1919 



War Trade Board 



1. War Trade Board announces the suspension of ruling heretofore 
enforced requiring all vessels when making applications for 
bunker licenses to furnish particulars requesting quantities 
of bunker fuel, port, sea and ship'is stores, and supplies on 
board vessel and those desired to be taken aboard. 



War Industries 
Board 



Fuel Admn. 
Food Admn. 



2. Board announced Jan. 13 that import restrictions on all except 
18 commodities have been removed or relaxed. 

3. Board announces that it will no longer be a requirement of 
licenses issued fcr exportation to Denmark, Norway, Sweden, 
Holland, Iceland, and the Faroe Islands that shipment shall 
be made on vessel flying the flag of country of destination. 

Board announced Jen. 13 that representatives of government 
agendies and principal building trades, meeting here recently 
to develop uniform methods of procedure in disposing of surplus 
stocks of building material, found that with the exception of 
lumber, government holdings were very small and could not 
affect market conditions. 

Admn. announces that weekly coal supply reports will not be 
required from industrial consumers and dealers after Feb. 1, 

Admn. announces: "By proclamation effective Jan. 10, 1919, 
the President of the United States, in accordance with the 
policy of releasing trades from the restraints of war legis- 
lation as rapidly as practicable, has withdrawn the require- 
ment of licenses under the food-control act for all persons 
engaged in inportation, manufacture, storage, and distribution 
of all commodities heretofore required to be licensed under 
direction of Fo d Admn., except in following cases: ***" 



American Red Cross 



T. h. C. A. 



War Camp Comm. 
Service. 



Interests of l y 000, 000 Russian prisoners of war still in Ger- 
many will be looked af ter by Ma,j. Carl Taylor of American 
Red Cross. 

W m . Sldane, Ch.rm. of Y.M.CA. relief work, stated Jan. 13 that 
$1,400,000 worth of canteen supplies hud been distributed free, 
in answer to charges of profiting made by returning soldiers, 

Service makes plea for retention of service flags until desig- 
nation of "Service Flag Demobilization Day", probably Friday, 
Feb. 21. I 



Shipping 



American and British representatives hold conference Jan. 15 
with German admiralty authorities at Treves for purpose of 
acquiring possession of German and Austrian passenger ships for 
transportation of troops. Proposed that America give Austria 
and Germany food for ships. Planned that British get smaller 
ships for return of her troops while America will have big 
boats. 



'J. ,i 0'jto:f-: : ! 
>*A .V :» J • r; 



v iJCi .• :: f.". ki ■ -js l.T'-Otoin- . 

. *'sr ]. ,ir /, ;. -if :-.Tf/2 'ic 

. . :-.:;• . f ;;s.-: I.-.-s; ■' - •; ■■• 



i 'i. :t: '.;! 



KiJ. ,:u.i» i r. -.;.■;.• 



.■ .vs. -i .-:-■■ c 



J* k£ .'.■' 



tX tf,[',3 ■' ■■•::..•-.::.. .1.. •• 



:., vy. ;t:;. 






•!■ v : i e .,v Li.. : :■ s 
'*:«.-.. .r.fJ ' .. ■ ; ;* .-.Mi/:/';? J., . [-.■ ■•> ... . .'•- 
."•'• .'- fi. *I ili J.'j vc'- :.. •....:;:.;•.- \?\lf*.t> iv.'. ' 

• .!,• ..i;iv ; ..-.' L'l.yVi , .".. v... :,_s $i\lj.lhi4 '.•■. :. .-. 

: t. v ;.':-- IX; '.'.■ ^rsi'Mo*! wfitffirrScv.'Jjv ."..: 

. --.-joj:,} ."•; ':■;: ;?• :h.'..~ :••.; 



Itr.l 



' ' ;•• t * o q , 

. .. . " .i 



'1 In 1. . i . J J 2 . A. it... « 



; ' :«£.">«;«.. . .!. ■. 






if*. •■ i v'\. .':•■; j ic'j- 



;•:? -•. .In; 



t: .-: : . . 



I -I. J. 

:• 1 jr '. 



■...:■. ■ i\i. 1 



-fv. 



:u.: tf'.iKi, "." •£-.(•.'. . f - : 



:x.- ..::■■■ I' 
... . ; . . 



r; ? £. . ■ 






Li 



t-.t 



.'.. A". , 



.' - ;i7c . 



.-* ' •/ J- - r- 



No, 27 



-3- 



January 14, l9l9. 



Finance 



Press dispatch states that establishment of a gold settlement 
fund of several hundred million dollars to facilitate foreign 
exchange transactions and eliminate necessity of shipping 
quantities of gold between countries is under discussion among 
financial advisers of allied governments and may be planned at 
Peace Conference. 



Prohibition 



California and Washington States ratified the national prohibi- 
tion amendment to the Constitution Jan. 13, making 24 states 
to act favorably on the basic law prpposed, 



Public Service 



Representatives of public service commissions of Illinois, 
Wis., Mich., Ind., Minn, and Va., at meeting in Chicago 
Jan. 13, declared unconstitutional recent order of P.M.G. 
Burleson providing for increase in telephone rates and pro- 
tested against action as encroachment of Federal government 
upon power of State Utility Commissions. 



Trade Relations 



FOREIGN 
Aviation 



Nat'l Coal Ass'n. recommends establishment under Webb-Pomerene 
law of an export coal association, open to all bituminous coal 
exporters in IT. S., and d?signed to work a a medium through 
which country's foreign trade in bituminous coal may be handled* 



Squadrons of British military airplanes have been detached for 
passenger and message- carrying service between Versailles and 
London during Peace Conference. 



Demobilization 1. Former workers in coal min:s of Britain being released from 

military service at rate approaching 5,000 a day in country's 
attempt to relieve fuel shortage. 

2. Task of demobilizing about 1,000,000 British women war workers 
has been assigned to special department of Ministry of Labor. 
Women predominate in this new organization. 



Food 



Labor 



1. Beciaase of having been supplied by Entente food commission with 
grain, Food Ministry of Vienna announces that it will be pos- 
sible to maintain present rations of bread and meat in Vienna 
and remainder of German Austria until middle of February. 

2. Dispatch to State Dept. reports that food conditions in Finland 
are acute and require immediate attention and relief. 

A general strike involving between 20,000 and 30,000 men was 
called in Lima and Callao Jan. 13. Several thousand men also 
struck at copper mines of Guerro de Pasco Co. 






• . .' l' I J 



■t •* ; ■) *■ t .-• • •■ ■• -.'■' ;■ ■. • -■ - ■ * i 

'a i-.-.."' »:■-': ■.'..■: ,».. r-'.y .-..■* ,■.. v _v" J • r Z 1 i ^ ■ *«S .. , ' ±". ; f - x •" • • 



S'SKfi 
fc.£ , 



»..,;:• r 






3 r-xij: •;♦•«,). 



i. . Cf'U.i ;•.,. .. 

• rLy - .m, a-:.r.i 

_ ■ ■ i : ' ' ••: * 



. » .; 



lUs. 



■~i;» !n'.. 



» ■• ■ 



.)..-. .:. 



. 



I"-'"- t 






> l. J .;*i v .1.1, . .• •: . 



;•• ,o r 



'.. .'I;: .'*..'. oj :-:.0" ..•::; '.."-. ir.: ;'-<■'■ 



- ( 



■ . -t. oc 



-. . 1 



•' fl i: • . -• ■ > 



• (r, * -. 5 -. > ' - J. . ; N I*. .T .- '• • t ...-,•.,,. . 



S ."• i v 7 , I ' 



V 






I .. . 



,:: :, • .;■ :•'£-' v ,: ,r; .■ :ii: ( Jurist'. 



; .i ■ .' ".j , :•; 



: i ' i'j ■ 






' if -, * *? r 



H ■ 



1 




Director's Office 
Council of National Dgfsnse / / 1 , /7 January 15, 1919. 



DAILY DIGESTIF K^CWSTR'ICTION NFWS 



No. 28 



U. S. Congress nl» House Interstate und/For r jign Commerce Committes Jan. 14 de- 
cided to consider hearings closed on the McKellar- Keating 
civil service retirement bill and to take up measure para- 
graph by paragragh, J-n. 17. 

2. Senate and House conferees on War Revenue Bill agreed upon 
tax rates on luxuries, semi- luxuries, amusement admissions 
and club dues, Jan. 14. Estimated that about $75,000,000 

in revenue will be secured annually from amusement admissions 
under conference agreement. 

War Dept. 1. Dept. Jan. 34 instructed officers in charge of demobilization 

to provide ticket offices near points at which soldiers re- 
ceive their final pay and fare allowances So -that discharged 
soldiers may be induced to go home immediately. 

2. Announcement made Jan. 14 to effect that when national guard 
and national army organizations have been disbanded their 
battle flags will be given into custody of the States from 
which the majority of men came when organizations were formed. 
Title to colors to be reatined by Federal government. 

3. Gen, Squires, Oief of Signal Service, said that discovery of 
cheap process of disintegrating helium from radium would per- 
mit safe travel by means of dirigibles even in trans-oceanic 
voyages. 

4. Office of Sur. Gen. authorizes statement that officers and en- 
listed men are needed by Division of Physical Reconstruction 
for administrative and instruction work in hospitals. Men 
who have had technical, tr^de, commercial, or agricultural 
training and experience especially desired as instructors in 
curative workshops. 

5. Office of Director of Purchase and Stores states thit by 
utilizing tin containers that had been manufactured for packing 
trench rations, for the packing of oatmeal and hominy, the 
Subsistence Division has effected a saving of approximately 
$225,000, 

Commerce Dept. 1. Sjc . Redfield said in public address Jan. 14 that while U.S. 

should free its commerce as quickly as possible of all restric- 
tions and build up its domestic and foroign trade, "apostles 
of hurry" must beware of bolshevism and many other post-war 
obstacles which can best be removed without haste. 



' 



" .- '\ . rf.r ■ - 

.*■■ ■ ■ ' 



.: sis :>.' 






No . 28 



-2- 



Jan. 15, 1919. 



Commerce Dept. 2. 



3. 



Dept. bill for Government guarantee of standards of goods made 
by American manufacturers now under consideration by Congress. 
Measure is endorsed by trade and banking interests. Wall St, 
Journal, Jan. 13, 1919. 

Report of Bureau of Foreign and Domestic Commerce shows that 
U. 3. is now supplying about 80$ of shoes imported into Chile, 
whereas before the war started the share was less than 30%. 



Council of Nat'l 
Defense 



Message from C. of N. D. to State councils Jan. 13 states that 
unemployment of common labor now exists in 12 States as against 
7 a week ago . 



War Trade Board 1, 



3. 



Board announces in new ruling that they will now consider ap- 
plications for licenses to export the following commodities to 
all countries except United Kingdom, France and Italy, viz: 
condensed milk, evaporated milk, powdered milk, preserved milk 
of all kinds. 

Collectors of Customs are now authorized under special export 
license to permit exportation without individual export licen- 
ses of personal baggage. 

Board announces that hereafter licenses for importation of su- 
gar will be issued only to Sugar Equalization Board, Incorpor- 
ated, or its nomin^3S. Applicants- for import licenses will 
still be required to give the guarantee now in effect as to 
disposition of sugar. 



Federal Trade Conn. 



Francis J. Heney, Chief Counsel for Federal Trade Commission 
in its meat packers' investigation, testified before Senate 
Agriculture Committee, Jan. 14, that packers had interfered 
with inquiry invar; L ous ways, had attempted to influence elec- 
tions and had sought to prevent passage of House Resolution 
which precipitated the Commission's activities. 

Food Administration Administration announces that th3 withdrawal of special coffee 

rules and license requirements under Food Control Act nave no 
bearing on r equirements of import licenses from War Trade Board 

Cnurch Reconstruction National Lutheran Council is organising a campaign for 

1. $500,000 to be used for reconstruction purposes. 

2. Presbyterian Church in U. 3. has provided a $1,000,000 fund 
for increase in salaries of its 6,500 pastors. 



League of Nations. 



Lord Robert Cecil epitomized League of Nations to members of 
press Jan. 14 as: "An agreement among nations by which each 
nation binds itself to sea that all warlike disputes are 
presented to League's tribunal for consideration and the use 
of force to .accomplish this, if necessary." 



■ ;'■*■ t, ' ; 






' .;■ i 



« • 



t - 



. v. . . : 



-'ft 

■T 



. .1 .1. 



rxet 



•*:• 



'i: 



i 
•J 



No. 38 



-3- 



Jan. 15, 1919. 



Rf forts to find jobs for D. C. soldiers returning from war to 
be one of first problems taken up by reconstruction committee 
of Washington C amber of Commerce* 



Demobilization 



Reforestation 



Offer of aid by American Forestry Association in reforesting 
devastated areas in France has b3en accepted by French govern- 
ment. 



FOREIGN 
Aviation 



Demobilization 






Diplomatic 
Relations 



Political 



Public Health 



Gen. Brancker, Master General of Personnel in British Air Minis- 
try, stated that a flight across Atlantic probably would be 
accomplished in May. 

New Zealand Government has outlined scheme for resettling re- 
turned soldiers with a view to developing large tracts of wild 
land. Proposed to appropriate $4,866,500 for purpose of taking 
over large estates and dividing them into small allotments, and 
in making advancements to soldiers in order to give them funds 
to begin farming. 

Francis Tudela, new ambassador from Peru, is the first repre- 
sentative from his country with rank of ambassador, that re- 
public previously having been represented by a minister. 

Sir. S. H. Sinha, Under-Secretary of State for India, in new 
cabinet, will be the first native of India to take his seat in 
British House of Lords. 

Dr. C. Addison, President of local government Board of London, 
has been entrusted with establishment of British Ministry of 
Health. In outlining work to be done, he said, "What we seek 
to establish is really a medical intelligence department." 



Relief 



Shipping 



Trade 



Supreme Council of Supply and Relief agrees upon an estimate 
of the credits required in the first instance for countries 
other than Germany. Subject referred to the representatives of 
the treasurers of the associated governments for consideration 
and report. 

British shipping firms reduce rates to South America to point 
where normal disparity between Liverpool rate and New York rate 
is much increased. 

British Army Council has ordered that English sole leather, ex- 
cept certain classes, be released fcr civilian purposes. Limit 
is placed upon the quantity that may be purchased by any 
individual, 



if* 3 



.' :i ■ 



... I; 



n -■ . 



:£'... :■ 



u.s j- : ■ ■: rs 'xo'i m 



t v. - • . ■ ■ . - " 
■J *J . . i * ^ 



-s - ••'*" *■ 






•.•u : 



,'Ti V •■ 






,.-i .... ■ ■.„...■. v 
■ L.^'I I f.VX *, .' ! 



t. n •- j: ; . 



'.-. J.'!{,.::.n ■ 

.it..- ■:; 
.: ton-." .. 



: ' J.j; 



• . ; j:aC: 



,f7 




Director's Office 
Council of National Defense YJ I p „ January 16, 191':. 

DAILY DIGEST OF HEC-W5TRUCTI0N NEWS 
No. 29 



Executive Plan under way to have President Wilson sign all $1 checks 

for payment of annual salaries of "dollar a year" volunteer 
•war workers. Estimated that total number of checks will 
exceed 500. 

U. S. Congress Chrm. Jones, of Woman Suffrage Committee, stated Jan. 15 that 

a vote "by Senate on Woman Suffrage resolution will be indefinite- 
ly delayed in view of rejection by New Hampshire legislature of 
a resolution to instruct Sen. Moses to support maasure. 

State Dept. Dept announced Jan. 15 that an agreement had been reached for 

control of the Transiberian and Chinese Eastern railroads by 
an Interallied committ3 3, and United States Ambassador Morris, 
at Tokio, has been instructed to participate in working out of 
details at Vladivostok. 

Treasury Dept. Sec. Glass, Jan. 14, issued following circular letter: "In order 

that those who will have income and profits taxes- to pay may 
prepare themselves in advance for these payments and accumulate 
gradually funds necessary to meet them, an issue of ^70 
Treasury Certificates of Indebtedness, dated Jan. 16, 1919, 
and maturing June, 17, 1919, is being offered for subscription 
****n 

War Dept. 1. Furloughs to permit soldiers of A. E. F, in France are being 

granted that they may visit Gt . Britain. Arrangements being 
made to care for arriving troops. 

2. Sur. Gen, has directed that soldier-patients suffering from 
respiratory diseases, including gas cases with severe and per- 
sistent bronchial symptoms, be transferred to Southern hospitals. 

3. Army Subsistence Division now purchasing and forwarding rapidly 
food for French civilians. 

4. Office of Div. of Purchase and Stores states that savings 
amounting to $51,678,000 have been effected by substituting 
baling for casing or boxing in shipment of clothing and equipage 
for use of A. E. F. 

5. Dept. issued order Jan. 15 providing for service insignia for 
members of welfare agencies on duty with the organized forces 
of Army overseas. 



, .( ■■ .. r:*. .. . , , - * . i «i 



:.:Jr . ■: 



V "l. 'h lui . ' .' ~ i .;.. .. v ;. ' X :.10X70i ".01 "iC V u V.J. • [• 



.* ■•• 



i . i I . • .. '_ . * *. '. .. *.;■•* - v ■ AC**. . . ». 

• ... , tit «-: i Lii. : , :• .. 






■ &I . 



. . 


./.: 


. 1 




i 


i"** •■ 


. .*' c*> •' 






. 


V 


:-. 


I J iv ••) in 


r . ■ 


•; 


. 


.: " 






■ a;, vi. 


3i. 


T 




■1 


; 




.. i : i 


i y.U»'« 



. 1 J V '• . . 



No. 29. -2- January 16, 1919. 

Interior Dept. According to figures and estimates collected by E. S. Butler 

of U. S. Cbol. Survey, the production of copper in U. S. in 
1918 was slightly larger than in 1917. 

Labor Dept. 1. National War Labor Board will hear cases of women street car 

conductors of Detroit and Cleveland against street car men and 
companies Jan. 17, 

2. Dept. states that the intensive campaign of the Naturalization 
Bureau in the Army during the war has resulted in making 162,864 
new American citizens. 

R. R. Admn. 1. Dir. Gen. Hinss to ask Congress for another appropriation of 

$500,000,000 or more to be used mainly in extending loans to 
railroads to cover extensive program of improvements and ex- 
tensions. 

2. Administration announces that to provide, during period fcf 

federal control, a responsible channel through which Dir. Gen. 
may obtain recommendations for the advancement of railroad 
practice, the American Rlwy. Ass'n. has revised its articles 
of organization and by-laws and will change its name to Amer. 
Railroad Ass 'n, 

■War Trade Bo^rd. Board stated Jan. 15 that the War Trade Board of U. S. Russian 

Bureau, Inc. , has remained in existence simply for the purpose 
of acting in advisory capacity for private and gov3rnmental 
bodies to whom the information at its disposal may be of value. 

Fael Admn. Administration makes public rasults of the various tests of 

new aviation "Liberty Fuel" which have been made bv government 
agencies. 

American Red Cross 1 . Amer. Red Cross has appropriated $200,000 for the use of Red 

Cross Commission for Siberia. This sum to cover relief work in 
that country for two months ending Feb. 28. 

2. Announcement made that Bureau of Communication is handling near- 
ly 90,000 letters each week. Bureau servee .acuthe "liason" 
agency between the American in military service and his family. 

A. F. of L- Commit tee on Reconstruction of A. F. of L. submitted report to 

Senate Committee on Labor and Education Jan. 15 recommending 
Federal ownership, operation or regulation of public and semi- 
public utilities. Government ownership of all wharves and docks 
Federal legislation to prevent child labor, and equality j, n 
pay for men and women workers also were urged. 

Food First food relief for Poland to go forward from U. S. in 4| 

yrs. soon to leave New York in 7,000 ton cargo, c6st,ing 
$2,225,000. 



»^ V -. . ' ...J. I 



a: .:. "... ':. \- 



•••: :. .: 'X 



. - . . * ■ .■ 
I' 






.•: .■..■..'. . ... 



x »- - * 



•„~,. . fVSi 



. r. ;: 



i,:;. i. 



. 



No. 29. -3- January 16, 1919. 



Trade 'I. J. L. Replogle believes-, that a buying movement in pig iron 

and semi-finished steel will develop within 60 days Or 90 days 
that will result in ^40 pig iron and $75 steel staples during 
year. Wall St. Journal, Jan. 15. 

2. Nat'l Ass'n. of Retail Clothiers discusses problems of peace- 
time readjustment vital to clothing trade at reconstruction 
conference in Chicago, Jan. 14. 

F OREIGN 

Finance British Treasury announced Jan. 14 that on Jan. 13 the total 
subscriptions to national war bonds since their inauguration 
Oct. 1, 1917, had reached and passed 1,500,000,000 pounds 
sterling. 

Food 1 . List of articles needed weekly for revictualing Jugo-Slav 

countries, except Serhia and Montenegro, include 11,000 tons 
of flour, 1,160 tons of frozen meat, 80 tons of fat, 900 tons 
of sugar, 77 tons of tea and coffee, 400 tons of rice and 
other vegetables, 20,000 tons of potatoes. 

2. In recognition of considerate treatment of British prisoners 
in Austria a trainload of foodstuffs was presented by British 
Army in Italy to women .and children in Vienna. 

Relief Supreme Council of Supply and Relief has concluded that minimum 

sum necessary to feed liberated countries stretcning from 
Belgium to Poland and Armenia until next summer is $400,000,000 

Repatriation Thousands of Belgian refugees who sought shelter in Great 

Britain now being returned at expense of British government. 

Trade. 1. Cablegram from Amer. Consul Gen. at London states that Board 
of Trade gives notice authorizing commercial and financial 
transactions in Palestine and Syria as far north is a line from 
Alexandre tta to Aleppo, inclusive, and as far east as the 
Hejaz railway. 

2. Press dispatch states that business is paralyzed in Lima, Peru, 
and there have been several Clashes between mobe and troops 

as result of strike declared recently. 

3. Licenses for importation of foodstuffs, clothing, textiles and 
tobacco issued by Belgian Ministry of Industry, Labor and He- 
victualing. Licenses for importation of all other comaoditi -;s,. 
except certain foods and fats which require no licenses, ^rj 
issued by Minister of Economic Affairs. 

4. Copyright cable to N. Y. Sun s tates that Spain has opened ne- 
gotiations with Washington to ^recover for Spanish manufactures 

$40,000,000 ddm-iges incurred as cancellation of war orders. 



n.T. ... 



t.-nr .-..' : r 



. . j. . , . . . . 



s-rxo j 






■ -f ■ ■ 

... * .» 






;:• ).■,.: 



ra 



Directors Office 
Council of National Defense 

DAILY DIGEST OF 
No. 30. 



&* 




January 17, 1919 



©INSTRUCTION HEWS 

fas? 



U. S. Congress 



1. 



2. 



3. 



4. 



• Beatification Jan. /16 of the Federal Constitutional Pro- 
hibition amendment wade U. S. first great power to take 
legislative action to stop permanently the liquor traffic. 



5. 



Senate and House conferee* Jan, 
beverages in War Revenue Bill. 



16 agreed on tax rates on 



Debate on the Administration Bill appropriating $100, 000, 000 
for food relief in Europe and Near East begins today in 
Senate. 

House Military Committee practically reacned agreement Jan. 
16 in conference with Secretary Baker and Gen. March to 
postpone War Dept. reorganization bill until next session 
of Congress and with it large part of prospective debate 
over future military policy of country. 

Rep. Campbell of Kaaisas offered resolution Jan. 16 requiring 
reason for the excessive casualties in 35th division at 
battle of Argonne Forest. 

Under amendment to Census bill, adopted Jan. 15 in Senate, 
preference in appointment of enumerators and other necessary 
for census would be given men honorably discharged from Army 
and Navy, and to widows of men who died while in service. 



War Dept. 



Department has opened to view exhibition picturing methods 
by which 3,665,000 men were classified by army personnel- 
machinery so that each was assigned to task for which he was 
fitted by education and experience. 



Interior Dept. 



Sec. Lane urges general observance by nation of Child Labor 
Day, in letter to National Child Labor Committee. Dates of 
observance ; named by committee are Jan. 25 in synagogues, 
Jain. 26 in churches and sunday-scnools, and Jan. 27 inpublic 
schools and other institutions. 



Labor Dept. Joint Chairman Taft of National War Labor Board challenged 

good faith «f Betniehem Steel Co. , which announced that it 
would not abide by decrees of Board, as that tribunal, since 
signing of armistice, was without power to enforce its 
mandates. 

Civil Service Commission Commission estimates that there has been a net reduction 

of approximately 2,500 in government's civilian force in 
Washington since signing of armistice. 



Shipping Board 



1. Press cable dispatch Jan. 16 states that "American shipping 
will be enabled to make successful competition with other 
maritime nations under provisions of shipping policy for- 
mulated by E. N. Hurley and adopted by U. S. Government." 



00 






iiV-J •■ 



.1 ■;■' '-.-j.-hj 1 •: ' }<:> a.? r?.;.ii\T.,.. • 



.-.A 



.......... -j . ■ 

' '.-• ■ ■ ■ ' . .. f '1 . i .. :.• 

':... .. t; .i,' ;Vi J >.! ;•.: : v. .^jC. '.to 
:, .■ ;■' ,': •: >! '_■: .. .... .... . 



■ -■.-:■:.. 






7 ... i: 



■ij 



No. 30. 



♦2- 



January 17, 1919 



Shipping Board 



2. Board announces Jan. 16 that all American ships which were 
registered "by Board during war have been released to their 
owners with exception of those actually engaged in Army 
service. 



A. F. of L. 



Frank Morrison, Secretary of A. F. of L, , stated before 
House Immigration Committee Jan. 16: "We are going to have 
bread lines in every industrial center by May 1; after that 
date it is hoped that building will pick up and take some 
of the men. " 



Conventions 



1. League to Enforce Peace, of which Wm. Howard Taft is president 
Jan. 16 began mailing 300,000 invitations to national con- 
gress for a League of Nations. Congress will be held under 
auspices of League in various sections of country, on dif- 
ferent dates, beginning Feb. 5 in Boston. 

2. Over 1,000 Ukrainian delegates, representing their country- i 
men in U. S. and Canada, met in New York Jan. 16 to adopt 
plans for combating on this continent and in Europe spread 
of unsound doctrines and for Americanizing 1,000,000 
Ukrainian, residing in this country. 



Industry 



Unanimous rejection by cotton, silk and wool manufacturers 
of demand of United Textile Workers of America for an 8-hour 
day or a 48-hour week to become effective Feb. 3, in place 
of present week of 54 hours, was announced in Boston, Jan. 16. 



League of Nations 



1. Hon, Franklin K. Lane, in address before Merchants' Ass'n. 
of New York, Jan. 16, gave outline of what League of Nations 
must be. "Its basis will be international cooperation," he 
said. 

2. In cabled press message from Paris, Jan. 16, Sen. Owen said: 
"There is a wide-spread opinion among very well informed men 
in Paris that the Peace Conference will not produce a League 
of Nations which will have adequate pouer to protect the 
world's peace." 



Taxation 



Aid for Blinded 



In additon to direct appeal made to Pres. Wilson by cable, 
theatrical managers and producers throughout country made 
public protest Jan. 16 against the increase of 10$ on 
theatre admissions. 

Sir Arthur Pearson, head of work for British soldiers blind- 
ed in battle, stated Jan. 16 that among some 900 blinded 
men who entered St. Duns tan's Hostel in England 656 have 
left it with some useful trade or business. 



F f) R E I G N 
Labor 



At conference with Pres. Irigoyen Jan. 15, labor leaders 
agreed to call off all strikes now in force in Argentina 
witn exception of one which has virtually paralysed shipping 
in Buenos Aires harbor. 






■'I.'"' •; r >.' '■■: , ,.; "■.j .': .;\ i;- >.;«:.-.j ft "ito»H ,;:-:.:-;■£ /. . -juai" . ,;::; .'•'.' .A 

- • ••• jl 'v.n'-i •;■.:' it: ■'.'.!>.',. x.. .'v. ) ; ; ;..- \7x0vj rri ; . .-.-r IX i;~!> , !t<' 



:iJ-:; ~. ■'!:..- ■' . . .;. ,*... . i\\: / ijO^JOo ..:ii.C^<... ;. ■"■ .Vj] ,.:. 
li'i::tv ..*-.. ;.I/ • .&■.■;• '. ,p..:ol$J>l la •:•:.' .-.cu . is'i a-v-'i . 

-:.:. .jo ,';,■. .until. .0 a*sAiiL-r.' •::;,» i"i;.-v ul ul~ y -.-X Xa nsbi-ffti?;-. 
,-to.l'Crt'f iii c .f«v£ juiiisii;j:'''J , ft :>*«'«: Ifiaiat 

-'■.■: ■•>■ 'v'-.j:? v.i-^SseTyv* , . ."'.i^y^Iai. r.v.i;j.i^vr ;...' i©\'0 . . 

.•• " '■■'. illo'i ".'--'' "i ■'••... ,.ij.;^:..0 ;: :.: .& . .:! £t&'.'i 

: ■•• " . . '' cm. I'i.-fc. rass.sl'J.'T.s.'j ri...i «i , J ,.:iJ *x..i$;- *"■ : .u .£. 
. ' ',«./">, i! '!.risSiu:.*ia;« 'u. ~. -.. ■ ■ - . i*t rt.oi: ht . K - ■• .u '; 
.vi.-;r,-;:, .J.,: :.; i. : kL£i.8'i Li* ':; f.-'.r!. 

su"»r-r\- .;■.!.,. Iflav; J,:.. ..CI-- ,,J'J/ .« >6 v, r :«il-T-Of»{,i>i ;.:.!.:...: -.-. -i ■;:j..:' 

. . .- - '■■ '." >'i i.',i':!'V:A i'j ;'-^''"tv- ■ . C ; ,. ' .'i i ••*'.- ' .:; i. :.':.; .'..:; , 



» ■ •■ -.-■■.. • .- . •--'.■ ' ^ .. . ,.'.Vi ;. '*''£♦»' 4.1 *' - H IJ.'.. 1 



. ■ . .. ;•■•.. ,•;■. • ■/.. .. n.atkh i>? ; ...^ I'j,:;.. . 

' .: • ■' • -. .. '>i .-."■;! ■■? >-i i oil;;..' 

'••• .: ' . ■■.':'■ '. , ' . 72 i:- ■-• ■'..:■.■ :t...v .:'. 



1 .1» .;;'■:. ..'.-.■ 




Director's Office 
Council of National Defense 

DAILY DIGEST OF REC0NSTB.UC 
Wo. 31 v-^ / 

t 



January 10, 1919 



Executive 1. Peace Congress opens today at 3 p. ra. in Paris. The Supreme 

Council, consisting of the President of the TJhited States, 
the Premiers of the Allied nations and two representatives 
of Japan, have charted tne course for the conference. 

2. President Wilson Was urged, in cable sent yesterday by joint 
congressional committee from Southern cotton states, to raise 
embargo on all cotton exports. 



U. S. Congress 1. 



2. 



Treasury Dept. 1. 



2. 



Refei Jtration of unemployed along lines followed in enrollment 
under Selective Service Act is provided in amendments to tne 
Census Bill adopted Jan. 16 by Senate. 

Louis F. Post, Asst. Sec'y. of Labor, and Win, Kent, member 
of Tariff Commission, urged House Committee on Labor, Jan. 17 
to' act promptly on Rep. Kelly's bill appropriating $500, 000, 000 
fox" reclamation and occupation by returned soldiers of 
215,000,000 acres' of land now idle. Bill embodies general 
recommendations oi Sec. Lane. 

House adopted Jan. 17 provision of the Legislative Appropriation 
Bill directing Sec. of Treasury to abolish on July 1, 1919, 
sub-treasuries at Baltimore, Boston, Cnicago, Cincinnati, New 
Orleans, New York, Pniladelphia, St. Louis and San Francisco. 

Comptroller of Currency announces tnat the resources of national 
banks of country Nov. 1, 1918, amounted to $19,821,404,000, the 
greatest resources ever before shown. 



War Deot. 



1« In general order to Army Jan. 17, Sec. Baker called upon 

officers and men to maintain the high regard for uniform wnich 
has been establisned throughout the country. 

2. Enactment of legislation authorizing Sec. of War immediately to 
settle claims growing out of cancellation of contracts placed 
in foreign countries for supplies for A. E. F, was urged before 
Senate Military Committee Jan. 17 by Asst. Sec. Stettinius. 

3, Sur. Gen. Ireland lias directed that all records of individual 
surgical and medical cases of unusual interest, and such studies 
of large groups of infections, diseases, and injuries as may be 
wortny of record be sent to Washington for purposes of analyis, 
compilation and preservation. 






:x.: . i 1 . 



... ..i. .j 

' . - - !>.' ' .; : 

til. J. - J. ' .. ' V 



t -• p V 



X '\ i, 



No, 31 



P. 0; Dept, 



- 2 - 



January 18 , 1919 



Siamese Director General of Posos and Telegraphs has officially 
notified American Consulate at Bangkok that parcel-post service 
"between Siam and U. S. via "Hongkong- Pacific" came into opera- 
tion as from October 10, 1918. 



Commerce Dept , 



Dept, reported Jan. 17 that seagoing American Merchant Ships 
of 1,000 gross tons or over numbered 1,663 on Jan. 1, 1919. 
Total gross tonnage was 5.656,856. 



Labor Dept . 1 . 



2. 



B. M. Squires, Division of Conciliation, has been assigned as 
Conciliator to try to adjust dispute between waist and dress 
manufacturers of Ne7/ York City and their employees, which 
threatens to result in a strike of 35,000 women, 

Felix Frankfurter, Charm, of w 'ar Labor Policies Bo<ird, sent 
letters Jan. 16 to representatives of the 40,000 clothing 
worker strikers and manufacturers in New York urging parties to 
agree to a conference with a view to adjusting their difference 
and offering his services as mediator, 



E. E, Admn. 1 . 



Eeports that the R, E, Admn. plans to force down coal prices 
and consequently miner i 1 pay drew formal denial Jan. 17 from 
Dir, Gen. Hines, 



2, Administration announced Jan, 15 appointment of an Automatic 
Train - Control Committee, 

3, Annual report of Division of Labor accords high praise to women 
railroad employees. Between Jan. 1 and October 1, last year, 
number of women workers .an American railroads increased from 
60,000 to 101,000, constituting about 5$ of the 2,000,000 rail 
employees. 



Shipping Board. 



Restrictions against the use in trans-Atlantic trade of sailing 
vessels and steamers of less than 2,500 tons were withdrawn by 
Board Jan. 17* 



Food Admn. 



Administration has rpported to Senate that its actual war-time 
expenditures, according to incomplete estimates, totalled 
$6,785,253 of which $2,342,99£ was taken from Pre-sident's spe- 



cial funds, 
outstanding. 



In addition contract obligations of $1,432,542 arc 



Federal Trade Comm. Stuart Chase of Fed. Trade Coram, stated before Sen, Agricultural 

Committee Jan. 17 that Food Admn. regulations neither regulated 
profits of meat packers nor benefited public or eonsumers. 
Prsented figures to show that profits of five bigpacking con- 
cerns had doubled and trebled during war. 






.10 X ■■.•!'. ;-,..-.; 



) -' .••« :, -i 



'I :• . .. . ;;:.tv 
.': v . 2 . ' iu . .p. : ■ :: ' '■■ 






... , .. 






.»/..: ■ » i 



, ...l . .. 



r 






■r.t'1 



;>,.... .so c-i-'- 



»;i ■•••ti' 



{ 



No. 31 



3 - 



January 18, 1919. 



Arcnitecture 



A plan to place artistic State exhibit buildings along 
Pennsylvania Ave. frou Peace Monument to the Treasury is 
being advocated among government officials and Members of 
Congress by Fairfax Naulty, authority on municipal architec- 
ture. 



Church 



Survey of Church press announcements Jan. 18 indicates -var- 
ious phases of reconstruction preponderating in pulpit themes. 



Conventions 100 leading cotton men are meeting in Washington to arrange 

for a world cotton congress to be held in U. S. A committee 
to be appointed to go to Europe and invite textile men to 
attend conference. 

Industrial Readjustment Prohibition Act forces Pabst Co. to propose plan for re- 
demption and retirement of outstanding bonds and preferred 
stock. 



Invention 



labor 



Nikola Tesla, inventor and scientist, announces three dis- 
coveries Jan. 17: 

a. Moon does not revolve on its own axis. 

b. Wireless messages have not been conveyed by 
means of air waves shot through space. 

c. Lighthin^rod instead of being a protection 
actually acts as aid to lightning in striking 
a building. 

National Labor Congress at Chicago decided Jan. 17 on a 
general strike of organized labor designed to paralyze every 
industry in country beginning next Fourth of July, as a means 
of obtaining new trial for Thos. J. Mooney, and Warren 
Billings, if Federal intervention and other means of relief 
fail , 



Political 



A self-styled Council of Soldiers and Workmen's Delegates 
has been organized in Portland, Ore. , forming first soviet 
in U. S. 



Prohibition 



Rehabilitation 



Trade 



Nat'l Anti-Saloon League issues Bulletin stating that the 
25 prohibition and anti-saloon league organizations have 
agreed on "bone-dry" Federal act to be presented to Congress. 

Association formed in 11. Y. to open campaign to raise funds 
with which to place a flock of chickens on every farm and 
war garden in that section oi France devastated by Germans. 

Annual report of Armour & Co. states that higher operating 
costs, resulting from increased wages, larger taxes and 
rising prices for materials, combined with Federal limita- 
tions upon profits on certain products, were responsible lor 
reduction in earnings of Armour and Co. in 1918 despite the 
fact that gross turnover of business was largest in history 
of packing concern. 



• V. J. . •.. 

7J.:/. . ••!'.. 



j.-.r. • .'10 ' ,J j "OiV! •-•' ,' '..:' 






. .•>.. . ; » ' 






vi.. >.; t>v*, ;.'•..; »i:-..-. 



. 1 , 1..- ■ 

. ' ■■ . • > - 






i . . . 

/ ' ' ' • 

,0i .:..': >'i ;:> 



');..):. ■•'.- 



; * • w* vj o 



,-:rJ • >-1 u 



■ t.- 



'-■■ .. j 1 ..'-.;■ I v- ;v- 






... u l" 



r ■ - * V '. ' 



iV.j . .'j<;t .*» _.* X ' 

■v j.'. J';i. 



..-' 



' ' • . 



'!-J ,iiX 



Director' s Office 
Ocaincil of National Defense J / j 1/1. January 20, 1919. 

No. 32 DAILY DIGEST 0? FECettfETRUCTION NE^S 




U. S, Congress 1. Announcement made that/both Senate and House will give genera 

right of way this week to appropriation bills. 

2. Sen. Kenyon of Iowa, Chairman of Committee on Education and 
Eabor, wrote to Sec. of Labor, Jan. 17, urging - upon him the 
desirability of calling at once a meeting of the Governors of 
States to take up the question of unemployment. 

Treasury Dept. Sec. Glass announced Jan. 17 that the official title of forth- 

coming Liberty Loan will be"Jhe Victory Liberty Loan". 

War Dept , 1 . Dept . announce s that : 

a. A bronze medal with suitable device and ribbon will be 
issued to any officer or enlisted man of National Guard 
who, under orders of President, served not less than 90 
days in ^ar with Spain. 

b . A bronze medal with suitable device and ribbon will be 
issued to any officer or enlisted man of National Guard 
who, under orders of President, served on Mexican Border 
in years 1916 and 1917 . 

2. Dir, of Purchase and Storage states that U, S, Army animals 

overseas numbered 191,631 on Dec. 25. Plans now being outlined 
by Remount Division for encouragement of horse breeding in . 
this country with view to supplying suitable cavalry and ar- 
tillery horses in future. 

P. 0. Dept. 1, New schedule of toll rates go into effect Jan. 22, pursuant 

to P.IV .G, Burleson's order a'f Dec. 13 placing all toll rates 
throughout country on uniform basis. 

2, Mich. S.tate Railroad Commission announced Jan. 17 that it had 
declined to give immediate approval to new telephone rates in 
Michigan as provided for in an order of P.M.G, Burleson. 

3, Illinois P.blic Utilities Commission entered order Jan. 17 sus- 
pending for 5 months enforcements of telephone rates wnich 
would become effective in Illinois Jan. 21 under rulins of 
P.M.G, Burleson. 

Navy Dept. Sec. Daniels announced Jan. 18, after conference with Joint 

Chairman Taft, that every power of Navy Dept. will be used 
to tor as acceptance by companies with which it has contracts 
of awards m^de by National War Labor Board, 



No. 52 -2- January 20'. 1919. 



Interior Dept* Figures compiled by Geological Survey show that available 

supply of arsenic in U. S. in 1918 was approximately 12,000 
short tons, which was 3,850 tons greater than for the period 
between 1911.- and 1916 inclusive. 

Labor Dept. 1. Department is planning to maintain in 1919 its organization 

which aided in supplying farm labor in 1918. 

2. In series of decisions Nat'l War Labor Board has declared 
rights of steel plant enrployees to an 8-hour day and to the 
establishment of shop committees to present collective griev- 
ance s to management, 

3. Bivision of Public Works and Construction Development is plan' 
ning steps to remedy present shortage of school houses ■...;. 
throughout country caused by lack of building facilities 

during the war, 

E. E, Adran. 1. Sir. Gen. Hines outlines two functions of administration as 

follows: One of these functions is to render the public ser- 
vice through operation of railroads, collecting of revenues 
therefor, and paying the expenses and the rental due the rail- 
road companies. The other of these functions is to require 
the necessary permanent inprovements to be made, *** and to 
aid in financing expenditures for new improvements. 

2. Cham, of Ohio Public Utilities Commission announced that 

Comnission will fight in the courts any attempt of Federal 
railroad officials to override action of State Commission 
in refusing to approve zone express rates ordered by Dir- 
ector General of Eailroads, 

War Trade Board 1. Board announced Jan. .18 that although there is no promise 

anywhere that price of sugar will come down, there was plenty 
of that commodity for export, and license will be granted to 
shippers Feb . 1 . 

2. Board announces that all import restrictions upon kapok have 
been removed. 

Shipping Board Board announces that to fill its engineering and navigation 

schoLols, it requires 1,000 additional men. 

Fuel Admn. 1. Final figures on bituminous coal production last year, as pre- 

pared by Geological Survey, show an output of 585,883,000 
net tons, an increase of 34,092,437 net tons over production 
cf 1917. 

2. Supplemental report of commission sent to Europe by Adminis- 
tration to study fuel conditions shows that Great Britain 
during the v/ar suffered a loss in coal mined of approximately 
185,000,000 tons. 



•v- si-' ; ii! ' ! "a* 






...':£* 



*5w^u **- ..: 






:K.- •:..:. 






J. -Vi. 



..-'J. u -. - 



■/.. :■ 'IZ3&- 



"i :■ ; 



i:5--; 



r: T.vr';i :.} 



-v t»- i- -, .«. 



: o; <•: -:■ 



* j. ^ - ~ &. 






;. v.. 



i ■;. .■-•:;.-3-j kx:. : - ;/Oir.J 



. '"' •..?„■' 2 : .Vc" "■" • i',tii?C ti 






• ... •! .; :::-x j t'i! 



/«. •. . -j 



rs " i . kit*. ,T3J. 



, ■»*... 



1 oo 












•.. 



'. ': ;. r . - : _. 



■ •; -.i 



■. .1 .-. . .' Vic .".. r . ' . 



■u; Da >., 



«.TAr' .7 * 



'•IC-.1*. ,;1W2j3 



, . . < .* - i . .,. i , 



■ 4. ':,* ^ ..v. uuw . 



:0: 



:: ? : : : 



. . ...i . . i. *..:.. ^_ . ■ t . 



..-•■■ 



•• ..r: 



« - • t • ■■' 



. * . « w - 



, . j.. i?-isi. 



ie.v: 



. 32 



-3- 



January 20, 191: 



Federal Trade 
Commission 



Commission announces that it has lifted "ban in exporting 
descriptions of inventions. 

E. J. Heney, Counsel for Commission, in its. investigation of 
meat packers, continuing testimony before Senate Committee on 
Agriculture Jan. 18, described alleged practices of packers 
in boycotting railroads which did not give them preferment. 



Federal Reserve Board Board is making a special study of privileges enjoyed by 
\ f branches of foreign banks which are operating in U. S. The 

study is being made with view to guiding policy in establish- 
ment of foreign branches of American banks. 

2. Board's review for Dec. states that unless the prices of cottor. 
mate*ially increase farmers will reduce the acreage which they 
would otherwise plant and devote their energies to general 
produce . 



Y. M. C. A. 



Church 



Permanent maintenance of the Y, M. C. A. Foyers du Soldat, 
which were established throughout France to serve officers and 
men of French army during war, and erection of scores of addi- 
tional foyers, have been decided upon at urgent request of 
Fr e nch Gove rnme nt . 

Dr. F. P, Haggard, Directior of National Committee of Northern 
Baptist bLaymen, announces immediate inauguration of nation- 
wide $6,000,000 campaign to insure spiritual democracy at home 
and for reconstruction work abroad. 



Demobilization 



Food Control 



9 British vessels with a total carrying capacity of 27,750 men 
have been placed at disposal of American government for trans- 
portent ion of troops home. 

Sheldon Cline, in article Wash. Star, Jan. 19, expresses fear 
that if a treaty of peace is signed without there having been 
legislation by Congress to extend the period of control , there 
will be an era of disastrous speculation and profiteering, and 
that, the world being free to buy, America will be drained of 
food stuffs to an extent that will threaten the home supply. 



Labor 



International Ladies' Garment Workers' Union, with a member- 
ship of 35,000 in New York, Jan. 18 authorized calling a 
strike next week unless Employers grant demands for 15$ w^ge 
increase and 44-hour working week. 



■o ;■. .••.:• '-..,..'. ..-..; 



:•£'. 



. ;.. :,. ■!':.. ■!-. .-■ . - 



•. .: ': J n i ■ 



■■■*o-iij 






: J 

\ - TV. 
5 •.. 



. ■ . - - ■ \> J. 

- .. - . a. . . _. - - ... * — i. 



..: ... ■• I lJ.C •'.•!■ .; ■.;■-. ••,;■ 

'.• j :■:. vi.' . ; I 'it'.: »:. . . 



: X'- 



'.:.-. ■: 



I •■■-. • 



-. ' J . - ■*:- ■ . ' .-.v. ; 
; .. * . . i. .( 



i j : 



\ 



H 



L> J 



-Jo. 32. 



-4- 



January 20, 1919. 



Rehabilitation 



Trade Relations 



Pierce C. Williams, Commercial Attache at 'Paris, submits 
report which conprises comprehensive account of visit to 
devastated regions of northern France. Attention called to 
problems facing French people and to part which America can 
take in reconstruction. Problem as seen by Mr. Williams is 
one of social engineering, in solution of which great weight 
must be given to local needs, tastes, prejudices and laws. 
In anticipation of part to be taken by America it is recom- 
mended that facts be gathere 1 bearing on French problems and 
that ail effective export selling organization be created to 
respond to call that France will utlimately make upon cooper- 
ation .of U.S. 

(This very important, detailed and interesting report covers 
9 pages in Commerce Reports, Jan. 15, 1919.) 

Consul Gen. of Republic of China at San Francisco stated in 
public address that economic cooperation between Americans 
and Chinese will enable U. S. to get firm grip on Oriental 
market. 



Conventions 



At a provisional Interallied Communications Conference to be- 
gin in Paris next Saturday, standardization of radio commu- 
nication will be one of many important matters discussed. 



FORE I G N 
Demobilization 1. 



2. 



Finance 



1. 



Up to Dec. 24 a total of 80,000 men had passed through six 
dispersal stations in England and Scotland and skilled worker; 
were being returned to industry in rapidly increasing numbers 

British prisoners numbering 158,431 have been released by 
Germany . 

Negotiations are nearing completion between Argentine Govern- 
ment , Great Britain, France and Italy, whereby Argentina v 
will lend $580,000,000 to the three allied governments in 
course of next 3 years for purchase of grain, wool, and othev 
raw materials in So. American republic. 

Arrangements for flotation of approximately $100,000,000 
British Government 1 or 2 year 5t$ notes are said to be near- 
ing consummation, proceeds to be -used to pay off maturing 
notes which are not converted. 



Food 

Land 

Military 
Political 



Rumanian Premiar stated in Paris Jan. 18 that conditions in 
Rumania, so far as supplier are concerned, are growing worse 
daily . 

Hewly formed J-ugo-Slav state has expressed determination to 
remain firm in regard to Adriatic land question by maintain- 
ing its ethnographical frontiers. 

According to estimates of British Military exprets, there 
may be 500,000 German soldiers still under arms. 

I.J. Faierewski made Premier of Poland J^-n 1? d.nd has forme i 
new government . 



■::zi ■•; : 
. •■" 'i'J 

... 5 ; if^.j < 



•r ::o . .- 



. ^v.t;...;-;. '.,y:.c- ....,: : C- ~;ol;: " ; 'if* ■ . ; 

" ■■••■' ' ■> j < v! ■>•■• '- •.•.\r- .-;»»;-■• • ' 
• -.'.. is..-. .'X ..;. ■- z-JOii'l J:ii' .'. .*.-.:.;■ 



•. . . . * « 



; fit, ■ 



-. . . ,- •• * . • . 



<<««Nf .fc V V. - 






i i 



a i"3.i:;.;' 



, .. :j 



.r'i 



K.tii^xsv;-: 



..•■;■•: .; £.■„■:... ".;; ij. s r- .... 



r .. 



: .' Oi ■ .v. 






ox: 



.ts ".! iw:oa 



•j ..: 



; T if;.: &•;. 









•I !>?.;::; " 



• «>: 



j sj. ■■*. rirs ; . •' . ..."ji': 



;-ir£.r.!i-.'-; ;i;.i;:. 



tf: 



. iv.f.,.6-: 






. ■'• r '. 




Director's Office 
Council of National Defense / ' / j\ lOx> January 21, 1915 

DAILY DIGEST/ oM^OWSTR^TION IM7S 
No. 53 / / 



U. S. Congress Senator Sherman of Illinois introduced resolution, Jan, 20, 

proposing, an investigation of publication by Government 
departments of periodicals giving department news. 

Treasury Dept. 1. Preparations are being made to raise $12,000,000,000 in loan. 

during tnis year. Tais became known Jam. 20 when Federal 
Reserve Board announced that Treasury's plan of raising $2 
in loans to $1 obtained in taxes "will remain effective dur- 
ing payment of war costs." 

2. Wax Risk Insurance Bureau announces a more liberal policy in 
determining whether parents or others only partially depend- 
ent for support on soldiers are entitled to Government family 
allowances to supplement the soldier's allotment of pay. 

3. Sur. Gen. Blue has issued extracts from official medical 
reports made from Army in France illustrating high cost of 
venereal diseases in U, S. Army. Tnese reports show that 
during 1917 over 750,000 days were lost to Army because of 
venereal disease. In 53 weeks up to and including Oct. 16, 
1918, no less than 2,067,000 days were lost to Army througn 
this cause. 

War Dept. 1. A recent report of Committee on. Education and Special Train- 
ing snows that educational institutions of this country are 
ready and eager to cooperate with War Dept. in training of 
Reserve Officers for the Army. 

2. C. W, Hare, Div. of Sales of War Dept, announced Jan. 20 
that plans for cooperation in disposal of huge quantities 

of surplus supplies accumulated by Government during war had 
been made with due regard for effect on civilian industries. 

3. Office of Dir. of Sales announces that arrangements for dis- 
position of surplus machine tools were made at a meeting of 
representatives of machine tool industry of the country and 
officials of War Dept. 

Post Office Dept. 1. P.M.G, Burleson has accepted a compensation proposal made by 

Tri-State Tel. and Tel. Co. of St. Paul which incorporates 
terms similar to tnose in contracts with owners of other 
wire corporations taken over by government. 

2, New toll and long distance telephone rates establisned by 
P.M.G. Burleson went into effect this morning, except in 
States where appeals for relief resulted in issuance of 
temporary restraining orders. 7 states baiting order are 
N.J., Ind. , Miss., 111., Mo., Nebr, and Mich. 






1 



fi "•'■ ".:oi". 



r.i ■•• -i'_i± X 



■ ■J U)0 -' 1 



w- '.-■ <i .- 



j . . . 



<■,'■ 



.' ., V '• 1. 

• -: i 

-.'■ V '-'■ ■ . 
i ■ - t •* 



•• ->n 



■r. 



-,v. ( -. 



No. 33. 



- 2 - 



January 21, 1919. 



Justice Dept» 

Labor De'ot. 



Atty. Gen. Gregory's opinion sustains sugar refiners' agree 
inent with U. S. Food Adun. 

1. Sec. Wilson announced J«n. 20 that an employers' commissi or. 
to study labor conditions and governmental labor policies 
in Great Britain had been appointed. 

2. F. T. Miller, Div. of Public Works, states that 800 public 
school buildings totaling sun of $80,000,000, were neld up 
on account of wart Expected tnis construction work will be 
resuped at once to meet unemployment situation tnroughout 
country. 

3. Enrollment officers of Department have begun efforts to en- 
roll boys be Ween ages of 16 and 21 in U, S. Boys' Working 
Reserve to double food production of U. S. in 1919. 

4. Nat'l War Labor Board rendered decision ordering Detroit 
United FJlec* Rlwys. to retain in its employ women now serv- 
ing as conductors . 



Civil Service 
Commission 



Commission states that about 1500 stenographers »nd clerks 
are required for various government bureaus. All returning 
soldiers with Civil Service ratings advised to call at office 
of Commission. 



Shippint Board 



W»r Trade Board 



Senedules of freight rates on cotton moving from American 
Atlantic ports to Europe during January and February riave 
been made public by Board. They range from $4.50 per 100 
lbs. for shipment to English ports to $5.50 to Italian port^. 

Board announces tiiat trade between U. S. and Serbia and 
Rumania scon will be reopened. 






American Red Cross 



Demobilization 



Food 



Labor 



Sur. Gen. Ireland says in article in Red Cross Magazine for 
Feb.: Tne Rod Cross brings comforts to the battle front and 
comforts bring the home influence. Tne nome influence 
means morale, and L.orale means victory. 

Mayor's Committee of Welcome, Ifew York, have made arrange- 
ments to place 10,000 disciiarged soldiers, sailors and . 
marines in jobs in s-iipyards in that district. 

That nigner food prices ~re expected by Army officials next 
year was evidenced in request for 10/j increase for food pur- 
chase Lade in Army Appropriation bill to Congress. 

Convention of International Federation of Draftsmen's Unions, 
meeting in Washington this week, will demand acceptance by 
all employers of draftsmen of the Macy board award in tne 
wages dispute. 



No. 33, 



- a - 



January 21, l&lb 



Legis lation 



Reconstruction 



In disposing of test Cuses, U. S, Supreme Court Jan. 20 
decided that tne Commerce Act as amended in 1910 did not 
prohibit free exchange of utility service between tele t rapr. 
and telephone cor.Tpa.nies and railroad companies even wnere 
service from one line to points on another was involved. 

Gov. Smith of New York in special message to Legislature Jan- 
20 named nis Reconstruction Committee which will attempt 
to solve post-war problems facing State. Committee comprise; 
36 members and includes 5 women members. 



FOREIGN 

Demobilization 



Political 



Loire Dejyt. of France lias voted a sum of 600,000 francs to 
be issued for purpose of encouraging agricultural enterprise., 
and repopulation of farming districts. Details of acreage, 
loans for improvement, etc., provided for. 

Cable press report announces establishment of a new Italian 
political party known as the "Parti to Populare Italiano", 
which indicates a landmark in Italian politics. New party 
is Catholic in its formation. 



Zionist Claims 



"Not the least among the insistent claimants for land re- 
cognition at tne Peace Conference are the Zionists. They 
want Palestine for the Jews. *** Their proposal is to take 
over an area equal to tne size of Maryland." Press Cable 
Dispatch. 









** o 



Director 1 3 Office 
Council of National Defense 

DAILY DIGEST OR .RECONSTRUCTION NEWS 
No .54 "— ' 




M^ 



January 22, 1919. 



U, S. Congress 1. 
2. 



Sen. Pomerene and Rep. Escn introduced bills Jen. 21 pre- 
senting a program for railroad legislation. 

Sen. Poindexter revealed difference of views between Presid- 
ent Wilson and Chairman Hurley of Shipping Doard as to 
whether American shipyards should be allowed to build ships 
for France and other European nations pending final settle- 
ment of peace issues, in Senate Jan. 21. 

Sen. Kenyon presented bill Jan. 21 proposing appropriation 
of $100,000,000 for expenditure on public works to prevent 
unemployment. 



State Deptt 



Advices reaching State Dept. report that Jewish question in 
Rumania has been solved from a legal point of view. 



Navy Dept. 



F. D. Roosevelt, Aast. Sec, 3tated Jan. 21 that he was con- 
fident that with the exception of about 3,000 men American 
navy would be out of Europe not later than Feb. 15, 



Agriculture Dept. 



Dept. made public estimate, Jan. 21, that live stock on 
farms and ranges of U. S. on Jun. 1 was valued at 
$8,830,204,000. This i3 an increase of $546,006,000 over 
their value a year ago. 



Commerce Dept, 
Shipping Board 



Bureau of Standards issues comprehensive statement descrip- 
tive of development of airplane fabrics. 

Dir. Gen. Pie* of Emergency Fleet Corp. states that plans 
involve expenditures of $3,880,000,000 and will result in 
American Merchant Marine of 15,000,000 deadweignt tons. 



War Trade Board 



Board announces a new export conservation list containing 
certain modifications and superseding all previous conser- 
vation lists. List as amended became effective J-n. 16.1SJ 



R. R, Admn. 



Admn. officials stated Jan. 21 that rate questions general! 
were in no wise affected by decision of I. C. C.'s orderii./;. 
revision of certain lumber tariffs and reasserting Commis- 
sion's right to upset rates prescribed by Director General- 



1 '•'. 



. ■::■% 

.ii. ,-.' 



.♦ ' 



i . 



II . 



1/-X 



y ■ 



Ho. 34 



January 22, 1910 



Food Admn. 



Frank S. Snyder, head of Administration's Meat Divison, 
stated, Jan. 21, tiio.t despite a hog surplus ha would not 
recommend abandoment of the price -agreement policy when the 
Hog Committee meets Jan. 23 to consider price for Feb. 



Fuel Admn. 



Commission aent to Europe by Fuel Admn. reports that Italy 
was worst sufferer from fuel shortage among allied nations. 
Population as a whole was without coal for heating and in 
large part without gas for cooking during many months of war. 



A. F. of L. 



Aviation 



Frank Morrison, secretary, stated before House Immigration 
Committee, Jan. 21, that reports from 21 offices show more 
than 135, UQO men unemployed. 

1. An early attempt to reach North Pole or to make a cross- 
Atlantic flight in airplane is to be made by two American 
Army officers, according to tentative plans revealed in 
New York, Jan. 21. 

2. New York to London in 24 hours by airplane is forecast by 
Col. Bishop, Canadian ace, with 72 German planes to his 
credit. "I foresee formation of anae'rial merchant marine in 
America," he said. 



Demobilization 



Immigration 



Post-Intelligencer of Seattle, Wash., suggests employers' 
use of a "Service Flag" to bo flown from windows showing 
stars for number of jobs available for returned soldiers, 

P. J. McNamara, Vice President of Legislative Committee of 
Brotherhood of Locomotive Firemen and Engineers, stated be- 
fore House Immigration Committee Jan. 2G that unless immi- 
gration is stopped U. S. will suffer a serious financial 
se t-back. 



Labor 



1. An adjourned conference of leaders of British labor with 
Samuel Gompers and other American labor delegates, now in 
England, reached agreement, Jan. 21, to form nucleus for an 
International Trades Union Congress* 

2. Chas. M. Schwab stated at American headquarters in Germany 
that he expects an era of industrial depression in U. S, 
and lftoks for little business expansion for a long time. 

3. Seattle's shipyard strike was called Jan. 21 when yard and 
shopworkmen numbering between 25y000 and 30,000 walked out 
to press their demands for higher pay. Men struck for basic 
wage scale of $1 an • hour for mechanics and $7 and $6 a cUy 
for helpers and apprentices. 

4. Represenatives of 32 labor unions of Havana decided at meet 
ing Jan. 21 to extend moral and financial aid to striking 
employees of Western, Havana Central and United railway 
lines. 



'■ ;, . 



• .-;. ■' ii>-: 



..'T..*ii 



•" . \*v 



■' Jo 



);■ 






- 



] ■ 



k ; 



I .1 s .. 



. . . ti 



.« . « 



Ji •'. 



No. 34 



- 3 - 



January 22, 1919 



League of Nation* 



A press dispatch Jan. 21 states that 3olf-governing, British 
Dominions will ask to be admitted to League with status of 
individual nations whose sovereignty, as far as internal af- 
fairs are concerned, shall be recognized clearly by the 
world. 



Merchant Marine 
Conference 



Railroads 



Relief 



Trade 



American Merchant Marine Conference to be held today and to- 
morrow at Smithsonian Institution, Washington. Will be at- 
tended by ship builders, ship operators, U. S. Senators and 
Repre sentat i ve a . 

A continued labor shortage, with resultant high wages for at 
least another year, forecast Jan. 21 at conference between 
75 men representing various railroads centering in Chicago 
and Government and State employment officials. 

1. Supreme Council of Supply and Relief, at its meeting in Pari:: 
Jan. 20, adopted recommendation that interallied relief 
commissions be appointed for Triest, Bucharest and Constan- 
tinople* 

2. Dr. Vernon Kellogg, of International relief organization,, 
who has just returned to Paris, from making food survey of 
Poland on behalf of Supreme Council of Supply and Relief, 
says there are between 4,000,000 and 5,000,000 people there 
who mist be supplied with 350,000 ton* of food for F months 
until next harvest. 

1. Pre 8 s statement announces widespread movement in So. America 
to cancel orders placed with U, S. and British merchants on 
theory that prices will drop in immediate future. 

2. J. Ogden Armour told House Interstate Commerce Committee 
Jan. 21 that pending legislation to regulate meat-packing 
industry was "reactionary" and part of it probably unconsti- 
tutional and warned Congress "if a monkeywrench is thrown 
into the gears of this business" Its effects would be felt 
in many other lines of industry. 



F OREIGN 
Aviation 



Food 



Labor 



1. 



2. 



British pilot made first official flight from London to Paris 
Jan. 15 making trip in 1 hour and 40 minutes. He carried 
urgent dispatches for peace congress. 

Bavarian Minister of Interior stated before Workmen's Council 
in Munich that the wheat crop assured bread for entire em- 
pire only until Feb. 7. 

Carpenters, shipbuilders, dock laborers, etc., in Great 
Britain are asking through unions for shorter hours and ad- 
vanced wages. Employers said to be anxious over situation. 

Press dispatch Jan. 21 states that a strike which would clo^c 
down all engineering work and nearly every class of public 
service in London is threatened. 



f . . . ' 






j . 



:~.ai;;;. :i 

r r.t- ..' 



>.:. 



'"'! J if; 

..-.I. J 



'.; . *.: - ::;W;: . r. . . 






.;.;ir,T;i v •'. 






■ ■; _ :. i • . i .1, "• -. ; ■-'■;' .... 

, -'. ; . I .■;..../.'■ ;c..-. * ■~> , ,i.. . 
. • ...••■.;:■- .i '-. : si i-iv »•**&■. 



. u ■■■■ 

if- ' . 



j(: . 



i'.i 



•ii: 



■> i ■ * 



! ; 



..i. ».. ■.? 



L . *•;': : 



: J. 



x-i < 






« . . * 



... ^ ; - 



■I 



'!,'• 



..;.'! •■ 



.:<• 



i . ; .;>..»' 



..'.At '. 



. .' •.. < 



BTo. 34 - 4 - January 22, 1919. 



Politics Majority Socialists win from 43 to 45$ of total vote in . 

German elections, according to press dispatch J«,n. 22. 
Party leaders are Chancellor Ebert and Phillip Soheidewann. 
Dispatch states that "Course of elections has proved clearly 
that tne development of a Republican form of government in- 
terest* the whole German nation." 

* 

Renabilitation Italian Ministry of Agriculture is making study.n'i-Jth view to 

bringing to maximum efficieny such land as is not found to 
be well cultivated. Planned that any tract not being cul- 
tivated in an efficient manner will, if necessary, be taken 
over by Government for competent development. 

Relief Armistice conference at Treves between the German ^nd allied 

shipping and food commissions arranged the delivery to 
starving people of Germany from America 70, 000. tons of pork 
and 200,000 tons of cereals. Germans can negotiate for 
transformation of portion of cereal ration into condensed 
milk for children. 



• - 



;.. m,:; . .si) •;ti%.} . 

iic-.v •-»■.— j . . .. -vi .wi V*" .'I 
'■ . ...S?.:i CU.'4tfaU >.-.i©i»" sa? fc.*«-i*-twf 



, ::•• : :>." v.. i „&»'..• . y.i : ■ . t •■•,. '. ' •' ...vo 






.-, . v op: \.ii-:*J.. 



■ ■.»».• t-1 . 








Director's Office l j] Wg^ 

Council of National Defense i . Jl ^*^ January 23, 1919. 

DAILY \DlG«ST OF RECONSTRUCTION NEWS 
No. 35. 



International 1. Lead by President Wilson, Supreme Council of great powers 

moved Jan./ 22 to unite factions of Russia and bring then into 
Peace Congress. Unanimously adopted proposition brought for- 
ward by President Wilson asking all Russian factions, includ- 
ing Bolshevists, to meet allied and associated governments at 
Princes Islands, Feb. 15, contending factions meantime de- 
claring a truce and suspending all military operations. 

.2. Supreme Council of Peace Conference Jan. 22 considered Polish 
question and decided to send mission to Poland. 

3. Press dispatch to N. Y. Sun states: "Pres. Wilson has pressed 
for early consideration of the labor question, which is recog- 
nized by all as of first importance because of conditions in 
Europe." 

4. Press dispatch states: "Diplomatic advices reaching here indi- 
cate that complicated Adriatic problem, regarded as a test 
case for full success or partial failure of Peace Conference, 
promises an early solution." 

5. Press dispatch Jan. 22 states: "The five big powers seem to be 
agreed on the principle of trusteeship, which means that the 
various undeveloped regions of the world whose future status 
must now be settled, will be given by the League of Nations 

in trusteeship to various individual powers for administration. 

U. S. Congress 1. Sen. Jones of Washington, Jan 22, criticized refusal of Pres. 

Wilson to remove restrictions against construction in American 
shipyards of steel ships for foreign account. 

2, Representative Emerson of Ohio introduced joint resolution 
Jan. 22 proposing an appropriation of $1,000,000 to be ex- 
pended by Sec. of War in marking positions held by Am. Ex. 
Forces in principal battles in war with Germany. 

3. Conferees on War Revenue Bill agreed Jan. 22 that taxes on 
amusement admissions will not be increased from 10 to 20%. 

State Dept. 1. Third Asst. Sec. Long stated Jan. 22 that to stimulate 

American foreign trade State Dept. will encourage establish- 
ment of American branch banks abroad and seek generally to 
encourage international banking establishments in this country. 

2. Advices to State Dept. from Genoa, Italy, state that 1,280 
Italian Reservists previously residents of U.S. will sail for 
U. S. shortly. 



• ■'■'.!- ■ 



.•'., J., 



1 . » . . . 
. - ' . . - »# 



. . ; 



w * ■ 



ii . ■ ' . i: 



. : VI: 



No. 35 



3 - 



January 23, 1919 



Treasury Dept. 



Sur. Gen. Blue announced Jan. 22 postponement of Health Sun- 
day from Feb. 9 to Feb, 23, so as not to conflict with 
Theodore Roosevelt memorial services arranged for former date. 



War Dept* 



Justice Dept. 



1. Office of Sur. Gen. states that of the 32.15 por thousand 
annual death rate from disease for six months just ended, 
30.071 was due to influenza and pneumonia leaving 2*081 
as rate for all other diseases. 

2. Circular issued by Dir. of Purchase, Storage and Traffic 
announces the revocation of clauses in War Dept. contracts 
prohibiting the publication of information in respect to 
such contracts having been approved by Sec. of Tar. 

Means of enforcing prohibition after July 1 are under consid- 
eration by Dept. of Justice and Internal Revenue Bureau. 



Navy Dept i 



Annual report of Chief, Bureau of Navigation, shows that in 
January, 1917, there were about 56,000 men in U. S. naval 
service. Numbers have been increased until there are now 
over 500,000 men enrolled. These are voluntary enlistments 
and enrollments. 



Interior Dept. 



1. A new division for promotion of university extension study 
and immediate furtherance of Americanization work of State 
Universities, called Division of Educational Extension, has 
been established in Dept. of Interior. 

2. The record of over $10,000,000,000 in mineral output by U.S. 
for last two years is indicated by preliminary estimates of 
Geol. Survey for 1918 combined with final figures for 1917. 



Agriculture Dept. 



Sec. Houston in address at Denver, Jan. 22, advocated Federal 
regulation of tho live-stock and meat padding industry, 



Commerce Dept. 
labor Dept. 



Bureau of Standards states that War problems have brought art 
of olectro-plating into more extended use. 

N. A. Smyth, of U. S. Employment Sorvice, stated Jan, 22: 
"I believe the problem of unemployment can be solved, but 
its trend today is extremely dangerous." 



Civil Service Coma. 



Commission is perfecting arrangements whereby men about to be 
discharged from the sorvice may receive first-hand information 
of opportunities for employment under civil service. 



No . 35 



January 23, 1919 



Y/ar Trade Board 



1. Board announces that the supervision heretofore exercised by 
Board through the Textile Alliance Inc., over the importation 
of Egyptian cotton has been discontinued. 

2. Board announces that supervision heretofore exercised by 
Board, through various associations in the several trades over 
distribution of raw notorial s, in this country has been removed 
except as to certain commodities. 

3. Board announces that it is now prepared to consider applications 
for licenses to export oats and oat products to all countries 
except the United Kingdom, France and Italy. 

4. Board announces that it has rescinded its action Jan. S, 1919, 
which withdrew prior restrictions upon the importation of rice 
and that such restrictions have been reinstated to remain 
effocttive until further notice. 

5. Representatives of War Trade Board, Swiss confederation, and 
of France and Great Britain signed agreement Jan. 22 for ex- 
portation of 800,000 tons of food stuffs and essential com- 
modities to Switzerland. 



Snipping Board 



Board announces that it will continue to charter its wooden 
steamers on time charter for service within approved limits 
and at such rates of nire as may from time to tine be fixed. 



R. R. Adorn, 



1, Dir. Gen. Hines states that it is the policy of Railroad Admn. 
to avoid at this time any undue concentration of its purchas- 
ing power of coal and to accomplish this purpose by permitting 
each road to purchase its own coal. 

2, Speedy restoration and betterment of pro-war standards of 
passenger service were urged Jan. 22 by Dir. Gen. Hines in an 
address before the American Passenger Traffic Ass'n, 



Tariff Comm. 



Fuel Admn, 



Commission has submitted report entitled "Free Zones in the 
Ports of the U, S."' : to the Senate Comm. on Commerce. Report 
bears upon relief from burdens and delays incident to Custom- 
house procedure. 

1, Considerable reductions in comsuption of natural gas for carbon 
black, and a consequently increased supply for other consumption 
have been reported to Fuel Admn. by field agents in West Va. 

2. Admn. has requested all its district representatives to give all 
employees of their offices notice of ending of their work. 
Those offices will cease their official functions as of Feb. 1. 



No. 35 



- 4 - 



January 23, 1919 



Blinded 



Education 



Labor 






Railroads 






Trade 



Special dispatch to N. Y. Times Jan. 21 states tbat number of 
totally blinded victims of war among all alied forces has now 
been calculated as 7,000. 25 or 30% will probably have to be 
added to this figure. 

Columbia University has adopted new policy in matriculation 
tests. Hereafter ability to pass entrance examinations will 
not guarantee admission to College. Character, health and 
mental quickness will be demanded. Univ. of Pa. is 
considering innovation. 

1. Strikes in 3 cities, involving 80,000 workers, tie up certain 
industries in New York, Seattle and Tacoma, Wash. 

2. J. H. Defrees, Chrm. of War Service Executive Committee of 
American Industries, stated Jan. 22 that speedy enactment of 
pending legislation to validate informal wa-r contracts is . > 
necessary so that industries may have use oi their capital* 

Use of water routes to relieve crowded railroad lines, consoli- 
dation of ticket offices, etc., were among war time reforms 
instituted by Railroad Admn. endorsed as worthy of continuation 
by Julius Kruttschnitt, Chrm. of So. Pacific, in testimony 
Jan. 22 before Senate Interstate Commerce Committee. 

J. Ogden Armour, J~n. 22, advocated before House Interstate 
Commerce Committee establishment of a central agency to control 
shipments of meat animals to market. 



FOREIGN 
Labor 



Politics 



Trade Relations 



Industrial unrest throughout United Kingdom is on increase. In 
addition to threat of railway strike, whole Yorkshire coal 
field probably will be idle Jo-n. 23, throvi-ig 150,000 men out 
of employment. Preparations being made in Scotland for general 
strike for 40-hour week. 

1. Of 703 members elected to new British House of Cotimons, 250 
served in war, while whole membership owes election to war 
services of one character or another. 

2. Unofficial report from Berlin, Jan. 23, gives distribution of 
319 delegates for National Assembly as follows: Majority 
Socialists, 132; German Democrats, 58; Centrists, 57; Ger. 
Nat'l party, 28; Independent Soc, 22; German Peoples Party, 
14; and scattering, 8. Germany under draft of proposed new 
constitution is divided into several federated republics. 

An order in Council, United Kingdom, Jan. 14, 1919, modifies 
previous order prohibiting importation of foreign coins and 
authorizes for the present importation of gold and silver coins 



■-. r ■ ■ -< 



• ■ • 



Director's Office 
Council of National Defense 

No. 36 




DAILY DIGEST OF RECONSTRUCTION NFWS 



January 34, 1919. 



U. S. Congress 1. 



Sen. Chamberlain Jan. 32 advocated creation of a separate 
Air Dept. with its head a member of cabinet. 

Testifying before Senate Committee investigating German 
propoganda, A. Stevenson, of Military Intelligence Bureau, 
said Jan. 33 that representatives of Bolshevik movement 
have organized Soviets in industrial centers of U* S. and 
that their plans contemplate seiaure of govennmenU 



Uteasury Dept. 



A S3 t. Sur. Gen. Stimpson, Public Health Service, stated to 
sub-committee of Senate Committee on Public Buildings and 
Grounds that Service has in preparation plans to care for 
discharged soldiers entitled to hospital treatment. 



War Dept. 



In accordance with policy adopted by Dir. of Motor Trans- 
port Corps all civilian chauffeurs employed on trucks and 
taxis of that service in Washington have been discharged 
and places taken by enlisted men of that corps. In mili- 
tarizing Army Motor Service at Boston several civilian 
chauffeurs were replaced by enlisted. men. 



Labor Dgpt. 



Shipping Board 



Meaas by which assets of building and lean associations 
throughout the country can be rendered negotiable during 
the reconstruction period to facilitate $3,000,000,000 
building program of Department were considered at confer- 
ence between representatives of associations and Treasury 
and Labor Depts. Jan. 33, Conference was held in office of 
F. R. Miller, Dir. of Division of Public Works of Labor 
Dept. Plans for establishment of oil stations in all Amer- 
ican ports to facilitate refueling of American Merchant 
Marine vessels are under consideration by Shipping Board. 



R. R. Admn. 



Fuel Admn. 



Reports of earnings of 195 principal railroads to I.C.C. 
Jan. 33 showed that railroads in 1918 under government 
control and unusual war conditions earned about $713,000, 
000, or $350,000,000 less than in 1917; $370,000,000 less 
than in the record year of 1916. 

Details of heroic measures taken by British government to 
meet fuel problems during war presented at length in memf 
orandum supplemental to general report of commission sent 
abroad by Fuel Administrator Garfield. 



'• ., I. 



... '. 



t" 



. ' ' 1 



J .(.. 



No. 36 



January 24, 1919. 



Council of Nat'l Defense 



Grosvanor B, Clarkson, Director, issued announcement 
in New Hork, Jan. 23, to effect that to meet emergen- 
cies of readjustment and demobilization period and to 
make permanent the good which has been derived from 
Community organization. C. of N. D., through the 
State and Territorial Councils and its Woman's Com- 
mittee, has asked that legislation be instituted in 
the various States to provide for development of whole- 
some community organization under a permanent state 
leadership on a non-partisan basis to succeed present 
system. 



American Red Cross 



Activities of American Red Cross in behalf of American 
soldiers in France entailed expenditure of $15,453,050 
to end of last June, and $13,829,418 has been appropri- 
ated for work abroad during last six months of year. 



Aviation 



Joint Army and Navy Board on Aeronautic Cognizance has 
removed restrictions of civilian flying, and will grant 
permits to all qualified civilians who apply under 
•President's proc lamation of Feb 28, 1918. 



Church Reconstruction 



Joint Centenary Committee of Methodist Church began 
consideration in Chicago Jan. 22 of plans for raising 
$115,000,000 in next five years. $5,000,000 will be 
required to restore damaged church property in Bel- 
gium, France and Italy. 



Finance 



No agreement on the proposal of U. S. Government that 
bankers of U. S., Great Britain, France and Japan unite 
in joint loan to China, has yet been reached. 



Labor 



1. Great Britain's plan for actual working machinery to 
carry out proposed internationalization of labor was 
outlined Jan. 23 by George N. Barnes, Briefly, his 
program called for establishment of int 3rnational 
commission made up of representatives of both labor 
and capital for settlement of labor problems. This 
commission to be responsible, to League of Nations. 

2. F, Frankfurter^. Chrm. of r; ar Policies Board of Dept. of 
Labor, stated Jan. 22 that employers will find solution 
of their labor problems when ther; is created in industry 
"a constitutional form of government similar to ihat we 
have in the political world." 



3. 



A. L. Filane, testifying before Senate Labor Committee 
Jan. 23, urged cooperation of National, State and City 
employment bureaus as means of meeting critical labor 
situation. 



No. 36 



- 5 - 



January 24, 1919 



Labor 



5. 



League of NationB 



Merchant Marine 



Ending of the 3 months' strike of 55,000 garment workers 
engaged on Lien and boys' clothing, and granting of a 44- 
hour week, were announced Jan, 23 at headquarters of -Amal- 
gamated. Garment Workers of America, New York. 

Officials of 5 unions comprising the affiliation of marine 
workers in the Post, of New York told sub-committee of Nat'l 
War Labor Board at hearing in New York Jan. 20 that prin- 
cipal demand, by unanimous vote of 16,000 members, w<»s 
actual 8 hour day, and not the basic 8 hour day with over- 
time charges. 

Lord Robert Cecil, in definition of League of Nations, says 
he thinks that an international tribunal with absolutely 
binding powers is not practicable at present. "Tne creation 
of non-rigid international machinery by which a council, by 
exerting influence toward conciliation, may work will be the 
main strength of future peace makers," he s<u.ys. 

Conference of U. S. shipping men in Washington created an 
organization Jan. 23 to carry on nation-wide propaganda in 
advocacy of a large American Merchant Marine. R. Goodwin 
Rhett elected chairman of organisation. 



Military 



Shipping 



Maj. Gen. Leonard Wood made strong appeal before joint 
session of Kansas legislature Jan. 22 for a system of uni- 
versal training for national defense. Gen. Wood Said his 
plan was to train youths for not more than 6 months. 

According to report, shipment of foodstuffs and other com- 
modities overseas was renewed with greater vigor with the 
adjustment of strike among boat-men and dock-men at Port of 
New York, 



Trade 



1. 






In statement after annual meeting of Board of Directors of 
Bethlehem Steel Corp. in New York, Jan. 23, Pres. Grace 
predicted "A period of unusual prosperity supported by an 
era of construction" after American manufacturers have put 
tneir whole economic structure on a normal peace time basis. 

Press dispatch states that Brig. Gen. H. A. Smith, in charge 
of administration of civil affairs in German territory 
occupied by American Army, has effected arrangement with 
Allied High Command by which manufacturing establishments 
in American sector may market their products both in France 
and Germany, 






No. 36 



Jci.rnid.ry <J4, 1919 



Trade 



Palestine, with trade routes reaching out by rail t*nd 
caravan across Persia, was thrown open again to American ex- 
port c*nd import under recent, order of V/ar Trade Board. 
Official announcement specifies: "That portion of Palestine 
and Syria which lies south of the line from Alexandretta to 
Aleppo inclusive and west of the Hejaz railway." 



FOHEI G N 
Finance 



Subscription to British National war bonds passed a total of 
1,600,000,000 pounds on Jan. 18. 

Financial representative of British government in U. S. an- 
nounced that on and after Feb. 1 British treasury would re- 
ceive subscriptions in this country for new series of nation- 
al war bonds. 



Industrial 
Readjustment 



Labor 



Political 



Dr. L. J. Matos, of Nat'l Aniline & Chemical Co., Inc., 
stated Jan. 23 that American dye-makers are now caking 
dyes equal in every respect to those of German manufacture. 

Threat of a general strike was made by the Committee of the 
Central Labor Union at Ltadrid, Jan. 21, if tne demands 
which it presented to government were not accepted. Demands 
include a minimum 8-hour day and the establishment of mini- 
mum wages corresponding to cost of living. 

German Majority Socialists elected 15 women to National 
Assembly, 



Director's Office 
Council of National Defense 

No. 37, 




N&> 



January 25, 1919. 



DAI/LY IBIGEST OF RECONSTRUCTION NEWS 



U. S. Congress 



Senate passed. Administration bill appropriating 
$100, 000,000V for food relief in Europe and Near East, 
Jan. 24, 



Treasury Dept, 1, 



?,. 



Sec, Glass has laid before House Committee on Interstate 
and Foreign Commerce statement which affirms that neither 
efficiency nor economy is to be attained by absorption 
of Coast Guard into the Navy. 

In annual report Comptroller of Currency states that 
National banks prospered last year and their resources, 
earnings and deposits set new high r3Cords in spite of 
war burdens. 



War Dept, 



1. 



2. 



3. 



4. 



Order telegraphed Jan. 24 to all department and division 
commanders of Array that no man be discharged from the Amy 
against his desire until such time as he can obtain em- 
ployment in civil lifd. 

Brig. Gen. John W. Heavey, Acting Chief of Militia Bureau, 
recommended to House Military Affairs Committee, Jan. 23, 
that a rider be included in Army appropriation bill au- 
thorizing Sec. of War to turn over to National Guard, from 
surplus supplies of regular army, equipment valued at 
$135,000,000. 

Lt. Col, Strong, U. 3. Medical Corps, stated before House 
Military Affairs Committee, Jan. 24 that 2 soldiers out 
of every 1000 who fought with American Army overseas ■ lost 
an arm or a leg and must be supplied with artificial 
limbs by the Government. Said that 3,000 of total combat 
force of 1,500,000 men were so maimed. 

U. S. Army has opened in Paris a Sales Dept. for left- 
over equipment. Horses, barracks, etc., are among pur- 
chasable commodities. 



Agriculture Dept, 



Va. State Agricultural Dept, reports discovery of a com- 
paratively new wheat disease in 14 wheat- crowing Vir- 
ginia counties. Disease has been found in 10% of samples 
taken from last year's wheat seed. 



Commerce Dept, 



According to published statement, American exports durin. 
1918 amounted to $6,150,000,000 or $83,000,000 below 
total for preceding year and more than double the value 
of imports. Import total was $3,031,000,000 coicparsd 
with $2,952,000,000 in 1917. 



. •. J. 



r; ■ 



:i 



« •./ ;.- 



3? - 3 - January 35, 1919. 



jabor Dept. 1. Sec. of Labor has directed that the entry of farm labor- 
ers from Bahama Islands for employment on East Coast of 
Florida be authorized until June 30, 1919. 

2. A library of Industrial Hygiene is being prepared by de- 
partment. It is planned to collect all information avail- 
able which bears on questions of health in industry, in- 
dustrial safety, and employment management, and to have 
this information r eadily accessible at all times. 

'"ar Trade Board 1. Board announces that rules and regulations heretofore en- 
forced asainst vessels with respect to routes to be taken 
when proeeedinc through so-called "War Zone" ha^e been 
modified. 

2* Board announces that a general import license has been 

issued covering all shipments of unrestricted comjrodities 
in transit through U. S. where shipment from abroad is 
made after Jan. 21, 1919. 

3. Board announces that restrictions heretofore existing 
upon importation of iraize (corn) have been removed and 
licenses will now be Issued for importation of this corn- 
modi ty . 

Shipping Board Division of Operationa reported, Jan. 24, 11 additional 

steamers of 100,000 tons, dead weight, assigned to trade 
between U. S. and "Hast Coast of South America during the 
week ended Jan. 23 • 

Fuel Adam. Admn. announces that Bureau of Labor of Fuel Admn. will 

continue to function until proclamation of peace is an- 
nounced. 

American Red Cross Geo. Ford, head of Hed Cross reconstruction work in France, 

states that agricultural machinery needed in France covers 
practically every form of farming implement in quantity 
and includes horses, there being no horses left in devas- 
tated portions of France. 

Aviation Ma j . Biddle, American a<ja, stated before Nat'l Geogolical 

Society, Jan. 24, that the parachute is destined to plav 
an important role in the promotion of safety in aviation. 

Labor Frank Morrison, Sec. of A. F. of L. , stated Jan. 33 that 

mora than 135,000 are unemployed in 31 of the large cities 
of U. S. 



::••> . 



;"« . • 1. 



1 ' 



'; . v.. 



,: .'. 




V 



No. 37 



- 3 - 



January 35, 1919. 



Trade Relations 



Sixth annual convention of National Foreign Trade Congress 
will meet in Chicago April 24 - 26. This mil deal with 
foreign trade as a factor in stabilizing American Indus- 
try, industrial Readjustment, development of foreign 
trade to provide employment for soldiers and sailors, 
and the formation of a definite policy dealing with fu- 
ture of shipping, etc. 



FOREIGN 
Aviation 

Fuel 



Politics 



Shipping 



Reconstruction 



Australian Government has sanctioned the formation of 
company to survey aerial route between Australia and 
Far 'East. 

Comm'l Attache at The Hague reports that the coal situa- 
tion in Germany appears to be causing some alarm. Owing 
to sickness among mine laborers and sudden departure of 
many prisoners working in mines, production in all dis- 
tricts has fallen far below normal. 

1. Pres's dispatch states that details were announced in Ma- 
drid Jan. 23 of new statutes for autonomous state of Cat- 
alonia, comprising various Spanish provinces. 

2. A new political association called Irish Center Earty, 
formally constituted Jan. 23, Stephen Gwynn, former mem- 
ber of Parliament, appointed chairman of provisional 
executive committee of new par by, which embraces the Con- 
stitutional Nationalists and Souther Unionists. New 
platform includes Heme Rule for Ireland within British 
Empire on similar Sines to those followed by British 
dominions - 



M. Buisson, Commissioner for Merchant Marine, declared 
Jan. 22 that France had lost during war almost two -fifths 
of her merchant fleet which was already inadequate for 
French trade requirements. Stated that she must build 
rapidly in orde* to secure indispensable 3,000,000 tons 
of shipping in five years. 

H. R. Burton, in letter to Sen. Hiram Johnson, outlining 
views on Russian situation, states that "reconstruction 
of Europe demands exploitation of Russia's resources - 
her agricultural, mineral and timber wealth. Russian 
people cannot possibly develop these resourses to a suf- 
ficient degree 'without foreign assistance." 



'■•■ ■ 'I'* n-y,.- 



:is -v X .-.< 



; 1- :.! I. 

, "i.T'.L • 

* ■ 



.■ X. J 

1 • ■* v - 



Director's Office 
Council of National Defense 

Wo. 38. 



DAILY DIGEST 




kSi^n 



RECONSTRUCTION NET'S 



January 37, 1S19. 



International 



1. 



3. 



Peace Conference unanimously- .adopted resolutions declaring fo: 
a League of Nations. Conference also vent on record in favor 
of incorporating the League as an integral part of the gener- 
al treaty of peace and admitting to the League "every civi- 
lised nation <#iich can be relied on to promote its objects." 

Premier Clemenceau has announced committee of Peace Congress 
to conduct inquiries and make reports on particular features 
of the work to be done by the Congress. 



U. S. Congress 1. 



3. 



3. 



Legislation to solve post-vvar readjustment problems to be 
undertaken by Senate this week. 

Savings of more than $15,000,000,000 in the contemplated war 
expenditures of 'Var and Navy Departments were reported to Con- 
gress Jan. 34 by a deficiency bill framed by House Appropria- 
tions Comm. 

A bill to appropriate $10,500,000 for enlarging hospitals to 
be conducted by Public Health Service reported favorably to 
House Jan. 25 by Buildings Committea. 



Treasury Dept. 



1. Department reported Jan. 25 that only $170,000,000 hao been 
paid out as allied loans since Jan. 1. The reduction is 
caused principally by curtailment of shipments of food, for 
payment of which the .American credits has been largaly used. 

3. Draft of a bill to give Treasury authority to investigate 

statements appearing in promotion prospectuses and to certify 
to their accuracy has been placed before Sec. Glass by Chair- 
man Hamlin of Capital Issues Committe3 and will b3 sent to 
Congress. This step taken because of recent rsports to Trea- 
sury indicating that millions of dollars' worth of securities 
of doubtful Talue have beBn thrown on market since ^rrastice 
and t,any pronators are taking Libsrty Bonds in exch .nge for 
th^ir stocks and bonds. 



3. Hans Reig, head of Foreign Language division of War Loan Or- 
ganization of Treasury Dept,, states that .■V:oric-uiization of 
foreign-born and of children of foreign-bcrn in U.S. is no 
impossible task. Deduction made from fact that ^ver 8,000,0^.0 
of the 28,000,000 foreign-born are offspring of foreign br- 
ents subscribed to Fourth Liberty Loan. 



War Dept. 



1. In a letter from Gen. 1.1-j.rch to ninority leader Mann, read on 
floor of House Jan. 35, Gen. March stated that retention in 
Arm?, r for the present of a large number of trained solid ers is? 
necessirv because of military situation and need for Keej ing 
intact mechanism for demobilization. 



■ i 



■.A . ■ ■ 



.• J.: 



• :'.i?itr <u ■ 

::: j ■ ■■.-? -« ■:, 



,;: :. fv. 



\ - 



it i rt.W . 



Fot, 38 -2- January 37, 1919. 

War Dept, 3. Announcement made of intention to sell at public auction such 

wools as manufacturers may require with a minimum reserve 
price the equivalent of the British civil issue price. 

P. 0. Dept. To consider important questions and exchange of view on im- 
provement and expansion of International Parcel Post, 2nd. 
Asst. P.MiG. Praeger has invited exporters throughout the 
country to attend conference Feb. 11 at Post Office Dept. 

Navy Dept. Sec. Daniels announced Jan. 26 plans by which the Navy Dept. 

will cooperate with the Treasury Dept. in the campaign to 
keep sailors insured with the U. 3. Government after their 
return to civil life. 

Interior Dept, 1, Sec. Lane, in article to Washington Star, Jan. 26, said; "It 

would be wise and far-signted policy on the part of govsrn- 
ment to make available now a fund which could be used to 
avert disaster of wide-spread unemployment, and, in making 
the fund available, there should be adopted a practical plan 
for its expenditure as need arose." 

2. A field force of about 35 men, who have been engaged in desig- 
nating and classifying homestead sections in the west for re- 
turning soldiers, have bo in notified by Chief Hydraulic En- 
gineer of Dept. that they will be furloughed unless Congress 
makes appropriation within next tirao weeks' for work. 

Agriculture Dept. 1. Sec. Houston stated Jan. 35 th^t government is net urging 

farmers to plant largsi crops of vheat next spring, despite 
representation of urgent need abroad, because crops planted 
in spring vill not be available for market until next fall, 
when food conditions will be exi-inged. 

3. Dept. urges farmers of U. 5. to rsturn to Bound farm practice 
in the coming season, abandoning certain emergsney measures 
adopted during the war, so as to assure ample supplier, of all 
kinds for this country c„ni Europe. 

3. Employment of more than 2,000 county t arm extension agents to 
carry along the work of the Federal Department in cooperating 
with the State authorities is recommended in annual agricul- 
tural appropriation bill. 

Labor Dept. 1. Sec. of Labor, in speaking before L-wers 7 - Club, N. Y., Jan. 

35, painted an optimistic picture of industrial situation 
in U. 3,, which he sail in his judgment would in fro.: - to 6 
months from signing of armistice be r: stored to normal post- 
war basis. At same time he named that any attempt by em- 
ployers to reduce wages was likely to result in an industrial' 
conflict and a social upheaval, the extent of which no one 
could forecast. 



» J. .*, 



i t V • 



•:»: / 






No. 38 -3- January 37, 1919. 



Labor Dept. 3. N. A. Smyth, Asst. Dir. Gen. of U. S. Employment Service, 

addressing Academy of Political and Social Science, New York, 
Jan. 25 charged that the policy of American Government in 
bringing about reconstruction had gone "on tha rocks, n and 
demanded; change in the Army system of demobilization aid in 
the policy of reconstruction itself. 

3* Recent investigations by Department have revealed fact that 
there is at present a decided scarcity of .Idifellixig accomo- 
dations in U. S. 

4. Dir. Clayton of Training Service states that all signsr point 
to a revival of manufacturing demand in the spring. Only 
about 6 or 7% of var workers have be 3n thrown out of jobs by 
the suspension of hostilities according to estimates prepared 
for the Service. 

War Trade Board 1. Legislation is anticipated in Congress to provide for contin- 
uance of r ar Trade Board to act as stabilizing influence in 
checking the rising prices of food-stuffs and to prevent any 
shortage of supplies' in U. S. 

3. Board expresses view, based upon information, that even under 
most favorable circumstances no potash from Alsace could be 
available in U, 3. for a? i cultural usear before June, 1919, 
and that, therefore, it vail be necessary that U. S, rely en- 
tirely upon its domestic potash production for coining spring 
season. 

3. Board states that the open winter in this country will mean 
300,000 tons of fodder stuffs for European neutrals. Th-t 
amount of oil-cake and oil-cake meal is to be shipped im eu- 
iately by U. 3, to the neutrals who have been in need of 
fodder. 

Shipping Board J. H. Rosseter, Director of Operations, stated Jan. 35 fch .t 

plana looking to vastly increased use of oil fuel by Am.31— 
io.ji 'larch. mt vessels h -~ve be -in developed at confsrsnces be- 
tween heads of larger oil-producing interests, ship owners 
..nd representatives of Shipping Board. 

Council of Nat'l 

Defense 1. To aid in unemployment situation, Grosvenor B. Clarkson, 
Director, simultaneously sent out a telegram to all State 
Councils of Defense urging immediate acceleration of public 
works. 

3. Through its regional, State ..nd local organizations, the 
Highways Transport Committee of.' Council is preparing to 
assist nation-wide movement looking to a reducti n of acci- 
dents resulting from carelessness either of drivers of 
vehicles or pedestrians. 



■ .. . :. ■ -- i 



I VV A ■» , 



•Ifci '.J .J 



/ 



No. 38 -4- J~mua.ry 27, 1919. 



War Camp Communi ty 

Service 1. P. of C. War C. C. Service has instituted School for Recre-..- 
tion Leaders in anticipation of damobilization needs. Ser- 
vice claims that those soldiers who have enjoyed advantages 
of Community Clubs will certainly make an effort to obtain 
these things in home cities. 

2. Mrs. M. M. Forrest, Director Department of Pageantry and Drama 
"■'. C. C. S., Washington, described pageantry as "visualized 
history" and recommends its ;vider use as an Americanization 
measure* "Pageantry is not a show, but one of the greatest 
teachers in the world," Mr*. Forrest says. 

American Red Cross Plans for cooperation between Red Cross and Sur. Gen. of Army 

in providing recreational activities in forty reconstruction 
hospitals have been announced. Dr. E, K. Fret veil, of Colum- 
bia University, is in charge of undertaking. 

Athletics Recommendations adopted Jan. 26 by executive committer of 

Inter-Collegiate Ass'n of AmatauJJ Athletics of America that 
all members of S. A. T. C. who continued in college without 
interruption and students who entered service or engaged in 
war work will be eligible for competition in inter-collegiate 
athletic contests this year. 

Food Herbert Hoover said, Jan. 26: "Before the European vvar began 

we exported about 5,000,000 tons of food a year. This year 
we are prepared to export at rate of from 15 to 20,000,000 
tons. Increase represents the patriotic service of the Amer- 
ican farmer, plus the voluntary sacrifice of the average 
American under the stimulation of the pleas from the allied 
governments that without an enormous increase in our food 
supplies their very lives would be menace!, " 

Labor 1. Sam'l Creancers, in conference with leaders of French General 

Labor Confederation, opposed the idea of an international con- 
gress in Bern, Switzerland. 

2. The passage* of a workmen 1 3 health insurance bill was demanded 
as a foremost reconstruction need in a program of social 
betterment at recent state -wide conference of labor at Albany 
under the auspices of the Reconstruction Committee of the 

N. Y. State Federation of Labor, 

Reconstruction Sec. of Labor has been informed by Gov. Smith of Few York 

that a reconstruction commission has been appointed for that 
State, and that the commission held its first meeting J^n.J4. 
'The commission will be assisted tr/ Dept of Labor in every 
way practicable. 

FOREIGN 

Politics. Portuguese Cabinet has resigned but '.".111 continue functionir. 

until new government is formed. 



I 



■ v :■ *io..'v~' - . • 




Director's Office 
Council of National Defense ^ January 28, 1919. 

DAILY DIGEST OF RECONSTRUCTION NEWS 
No. 39. / 







U. S. Congress 1. Senate and House conferees reached agreement Jan. 27 on the 

bill appropriating $100,000,000 for European famine relief. 

2. Rivers and Harbor bill, revised upwards by about $5,000,000, 
and including new appropriations of $3,000,000 for the Ohio 
River and $.1,000,000 for the All3ghany, was reported out 
Jan. 27 by Senate Commerce Committee. 

3. Representative Heflin announced Jan. 26 that he had asked Dept 
of Justice to investigate IT. Y. Cotton Exchange, which, he 
charged, had violated the Cotton Futures actfc in "driving down" 
the price of cotton from 37^ to 24^ a pound. 

State Dept. 36 States, the necessary 3/4, certified to the State Dept, 

their ratification of the Federal Prohibition Amendment Jan. 
27 and preparation of a procalamation lo make the Amendment 
effective was ordered. 

Treasury Dept. 1. To protect holders of War Savings Certificates against loss 

through offers to purchase at amounts less than current value, 
Sec. Glass has directed Postmasters not to redeem certifi- 
cates unless positive evidence is submitted that they were 
originally issued to the persons or firms presenting them for 
payment . 

2. Committee appointed by former Sec. McAdoo to investigate 
question of gold standard reports that stimulation of gold 
production is no longer necessary. 

War Dept. 1. Gen. March laid plans before Senate Military Affairs Committee 

Jan. 27 showing that return home and demobilization within 
six months of all the remaining 1,800,000 troops overseas is 
possible under plans worked out by Department. Gen. March 
stated also that plan contemplated demobilization within 30 
days of the 785,000 men in home training camps, except small 
number retained for "overhead" duty. Stated also that re- 
turn of troops from France at rate of 300,000 men monthly 
would be possible. 

2. Official report from Gen, Pershing shows that on Jan. 9 there 
were 105,783 men of American forces in hospitals in France 
and England, of whom 72, 672 were suffering from disease 
and 33,111 from wounds or other injuries. 



I ■'■■ >.-, 






No. 39. -3- January 28, 1919. 



. 



War Deptt 3. Sur. Gen. Ireland advised Senate Jan. 27 that in discharging 

up to Jan. 18, 7,851 of the 16,000 medical officers on duty 
in T J. S. when armistice was signed, the army had dispensed 
with the services of many it could ill afford to lose. State; 
that in army hospital in U. S. there are 66,529 occupied 
beds, and between 65,000 and 75,000 of sick and wounded 
soldiers in France are expected to be sent home for further 
hospital treatment. 

4. Sur. Gan. states that in order to relieve anxiety of rela- 
tives and friends of patients from overseas now entering 
army hospitals in this country, he has directed that post 
cards be printed with blanks to be filled with name, present 
location, nature of wound or disease, and condition of patient 

5. Dept. states that Sec* of War has appointed Chester W. 
Cuthell as his immediate personal representative to work out 
with representatives of allied nations in this country rela- 
tions growing out of orders of war material and exchanges of 
material between War Dept. and European allies in U. S. 



Justice Dept. Dept. discloses that fewer than 50 enemy alien women were in- 
terned during war. Heretofore, they have been confined in 
various institutions throughout country. None has baan in 
jail. 

P. 0. Dapt. Motions ware filed in Supreme Court Jan. 25 asking expedition 

of appeals brought by Commercial Cable and Commercial Cable 
Pacific Companies from the refusal of the Federal District 
Court in New York to enjoin P. M. G, Burleson from taking 
possession of marine cables oparated by these companies and 
merging them with lines controlled by Western Union Telegraph 
Company . 

Agricultural Dept» The craation of an Interallied Agricultural Council, of which 

the American member should be Secretary, is recommended in 
special raport of iimericanjigricultural Commission to Europe 
made public by Sec. Houston, Jan. 24. This commission was 
appointed last August by Sec. Houston and was sent to Europe 
to study conditions in England, France and Italy. 

Labor Dept, Sixth Annual Report of Chief of Children's Bureau refers es- 

pecially to Child Labor and its Fadera Control; Public pro- 
tection of Infancy and Maternity; Juvenile Courts; Nutritions 
of Older Child; "Children^ Year", a cooperative effort. 



. nL : 



y 






"/ ■■• 



,1 i) 



a.c 



(. Ec 



y 



t .. 



No. 39 



-3- 



Jinu-uy 38, 1919 



Shipping Board 



2. 



To meet a cut in trans-Atlantic freight rates made by British 
ship owners, Board announced Jan. 27 a reduction of about 
66 2/3$ in rates between Atlantic and Gulf ports and ports 
in United Kingdom, Italy, Belgium and the Netherlands* 

A reduction of more than 50$ in ocean rates from New York to 
East Indian ports announced Jan. 27 by Operations Division of 

Shipping Board, 



War Trade Board 



Labor 



Board states that newly opened channels for American iron and 
steel industry are indicated by advices from French Ministry 
of Reconstruction, 

1„ The movement among textile workers for inauguration of a 
universal 8-hour day in the industry, beginning Feb. 3, was 
extended Jan. 27 to comprise approximately one-half the mill 
industry in New England, The mills in these cities employ 
an aggregate of upward of 120,000 persons. 

2. A half-and-half profit-sharing plan with employees in all 
branches was announced Jam 27 by J. N. Willys. President of 
Willys-Overland Oo., Toledo. Ohio. Only a fair return on 
the capital invested is a provision included in the grant. 

3. District of Columbia Minimum Wage Board announced Jan, 27 
that it had decided on $16 a week ss the least possible rate 
in estimating the cost of living for a woman worker. 



League of Nations 



Principal points in British plan for League of Nations are 
unofficially reported as follows: Formation of court to 
settle world disputes; board to handle world labor problems; 
pledge to aid and guide new states: temporary exclusion of 
Central Powers from League; enforcement of edicts of public 
opinion; cancellation of :ncompe.tible treaties and solution 
of disarmament problem. 



Railroads 



W« G. McAdoo, former Dir, Gen. of Railroads, made public 
Jan. 27 telegram in which he urged &-year government control 
of railroads as a necessity for development of inland water- 
ways and for the coordination of the railroads and waterways 
with the new American Merchant Marine, 



Trade 



1. J. Ogden Armour told Senate Agricultural Committee Jan. 27 
that he and his counsel were drafting legislation for regu- 
lation of the meat-packing industry which he expected to sub 
mit as substitute for similar bills now before Congress, 

2. Consul Gen. Skinner at London cables that a general licsnse 
has been granted permitting exportation of passenger and .: 
freight railway cars and locomotives and component parts to 
all destinations except European and Asiatic Russia, and 
other points. 



''..•' ::.'. 









* ■'-■.%. 



L.i'.l P.' :. 



. "... t 



'Vjil! 






<r:v 



r> .-; 



iX)t 



No. 39 



-4- 



January 28, 1919 



FOREIGN 
Aviation 



Labor 



Reparation. 



British Air Forces increased from 385 officer's and 1< 853 men 
in August, 1914, to 30,000 officers and 264,000 men in Novem- 
ber, 1918, Woman's Royal Air Force numbered 23(000 at close 
of hostilities. 

Lady Rhondda, Pres. of British Women's Industrial League, 
announced in letter to press that the object of the new 
league is to organize industrial women workers of all classes 
so that they may speak with one voice on matters of common 
concern in the employment of women in industry. 

Copyright dispatch to N. Y. Herald Jan. 26 says: Belgium wilD 
ask no punitive damages of Germany, but will demand 
$3,000,000,000 reparation for State losses, in addition to 
indemnification for personal losses. 



•. :>/: 



n : .' i . 



'i"U us ■ 

: : C.1H : 



.. - i~\x 



,spjtaf:i.t- 



i. 



1. :■*■,. c 



'^^.;uc ft: rs iv. 

fl : :;£■:■ 



'. ' ■;:-.'■ '■ 



.as?- hi 
■ tXfd ,V/: 








Director's Office, 
Council of National Defense January 29, 1919 

DAILY DIGKST 0? RECONSTRUCTION ITEMS 
No. 40 



International American members of commission created by Peace Conference 

to visit Poland named Jan. 28. They are, Maj. Gen. F. J. 
Kernan, for the army, and Prof. R. H. Lord, of Harvard Uni- 
ersity, Jimer. Peace Commission's expert on Russia and Poland. 

U. S. Congress 1. European Famine Relief Bill for appropriation of $190,000,000 

goes to President for approval Jan. 28, 

2. Rep. Little introduced bill Jan. 26 proposing the granting of 
gratuities to soldiers according to length and character of 
service. 

3. Sen. Curamings introduced bill Jan. 28 witndrawing from Chief 
Executive authority to turn back the railroads to their pri- 
vate owners at any time during the period of one year and 9 
months after the proclamation of peace, unless otherwise di- 
rected by Congress. 

4. Prohibition of immigration for four years after the war, ex- 
cept from Cuba, Mexico., Canada and Newfoundland, was agreed 
upon unanimously Jan. 28 by House Immigration Committee. 

5. Resolution ordered favorably reported Jan. 28 by House Post 
Office Committee proposing discontinuance of Government con- 
trol of telephone and telegraph properties next December 31. 

Post Office Dept. 1. P. M.G.Burleson, urging extension of government wire control 

tnrough period of readjustment, before House Post Office 
Committee, Jan. 38, said that many telepnone companies are 
facing financial stress and that the public is doomed to 
poor service under private operation. 

2. First Asst. P.M.G. nad issued circular letter to 15,000 
business men, firms and commercial organizations inviting 
constructive criticism with relation to improvements in the 
Postal service. 

Navy Dept. Recent orders to naval officers show that with the return 

of overseas forces Atlantic fleet is being reorganized 
rapidly. Returning ships have taken their place in fleet 
organization, and published assignments of officers show 
a general rearrangement of high commands. 



No. 40 



- 3 - 



January 39, 1919. 



Agriculture Dapt. 



Labor Dept. 



Department about to send 3 live-stock experts to Europe to 
gain information on probable future; demand in European coun* 
tries for American animals and live-stock products. 

1, Employment Service states' fehat according to telegraphic re- 
ports from all parts of country conditions of unemployment 
are becoming serious and area is spreading over country. 

3, Bureau of Naturalization announced Jan. 38 its plans for nat- 
uralizing men sent abroad before obtaining citizenship. Al- 
ready 160} 000 men inuiiform have been naturalized. 

3. The use of labor from island possessions of U. G. in helping 
to procure a food record crop this year has been suggested 
by Coram. Gen. Gamine tti, head of Immigration Buraau. 



Shipping Board 1. 



3. 



3, 



E. N. Hurley stated Jan. 38 that he felt certain the American 
people had determined to have and to maintain a merchant 
marine sufficient in size to make it certain that they would 
not be dependent on shipping of other nations for foraign 
trade and that the demand for such shipping program was vir- 
tually unanimous. 

Orders to shipyards not to begin work on ships aggregating 
from 1,000,000 to 1,350,000 dead weight tons, the keels for 
which ordinarily would not have been laid before next August, 
now being sent out by Shipping Board. C. P. Piez, Dir. Gen. 
of Emergency Fleet Corp., stated that yards on both Atlantic 
and Pacific Coasts. were affected. "It is not to be assumed 
that the ships contemplated will not be built eventually," he 
said. 

Dir. Geh. Piez stated to Congress that the construction of 
troop ships was not contemplated in original program of 
Shipping Board. Statement sent in reply to Sen. Nelson's 
recent resolution asking for information concerning the fact 
that Shipping Board had not turned out a single troop ship. 



Food Admn. 



Commerce 



1. An administration bill appropriating $1,350,000,000 to enable 
Government to carry out its guarantee of price of $3.30 a bu. 
for 1919 wheat, crop transmitted to Senate and House Agricul- 
ture Committees Jan. 38 by Food Admn. 

3. Minimum base price of $17.50 per 100 lbs. for hogs for month 
of February unanimously agreed upon Jan. 38 by Hog Committae 
of Food Admn. 

Representatives of Swift and Morris Packing companies advised 
Senate and House committees Jan. 38 against enactment of any 
additional legislation to regulate meat-packing industry. 
Testified that further legislation would "just muddle things 
up." 






r, - .t . , 



i "' - 



.-..fc ';:: :: ' : 






■(:. :. ■ 



I .■ 



'A*. :.C' 



-: /.'. -o 



•Jo. 46 -3- January 39, 1919. 

Food Washington Post Jan. 29 states that for first time in 2 yeart 

food is to be sold in Washington in conformity with law of 
supply and demand. Reports from every section of country 
indicate a general break in wholesale market, and according 
to local market experts, retailers must follow suit and lowo: 
prices. 

Housing SuspensSon of building, made necessary by war, has resulted 

in shortage of nearly 1,000,000 homes in America, according 
to an estimate made public Jan. 28 in Washington by repre- 
sentatives of building and loan associations throughout the 
country, conferring with officials of Treasury and Labor 
Depts. 

Labor 1. Anarchistic literature such as has been circulated in other 

parts of country m-*de its appearance in various New England 
industrial centers Jan. 38, according to press dispatch from 
Brockton, Maae. The article berated the government and its 
attitude toward deportations and threatened that dynamite 
would be used. It was signed "The American Anarchists. " 

2. Plans for sending an industrial commission of women to Eng- 
land, France and Italy, next April to confer with prominent 
labor leaders of those countries in ordei to promote "world 
fellowship among women", were announced in New York Jan. 28 
by Florence Simms, head of Industrial Department, War Werk 
Council of Y. W. C. A, 

3. American correspondent in London says in press cable: "Mana- 
ger of a large and famous factory says that his estimate of 
that fraction of labor which may be described as either 
violent or unddr the influence of the extremist agitators is 
about 10$. Said he thought the number would gradually de- 
crease. He expected more or less frequent disputes but no 
great or serious trouble extsnding over any long continuous 
time. Epidemic of strike fever seems at its height now. 
Some of strikes are obviously result of vicious agitations." 

4. Labor leaders of copper districts of Arizona, Montana and 
Utah will confer Jan. 31 with Sec. of Labor as to best meth- 
ods for improving working conditions during period of read- 
justment. 

5. W. F. Ogburn, statistical expert of Nat'l War L .bor Board, 
appearing before Education and Labor Committee od Senate, 
stated that the minimum income upon rtiich a family of five 
man, wifle and thres children under fourtesn, can supoort 
life in common decency and retain efficiency is $1,500. 

FOREIGN 

Aviation Press report states that British Admiralty has in view a 

monster Zeppelin which it is planned to have malEe the 
first trans-Atlantic trip from England to Brazil some 
time during c ming summer. 



■: .. i., 



S '■■'■ ■ ■> 



.". : ; 



1 ■> ... 

• ' ' .7 .. ;. 



i. : ; 



■ >:. 



■ I ■ ... -t: 



' :...!• 



. .. 'i 



*lo i-s .",.-s;,0. 



Bo. 40 -4- January 39, 1919. 






Labor Asso. Press dispatch from London states that it is estimated 

that nearly 200,000 men and women are idle in United Kingdom 
and Ireland because of strikes in various trades, creating 
one of the most serious situations industrially that the 
country has h~d to face in mary years. Half of the strikers 
are in Belfast, where the strike movement is continuing to 
spread. 

Military At special meeting of British Cabinet, Jan. 28, it is under- 

stood that conferees reached the conclusion; that there was 
no prospect for months to come of voluntary enlistment of 
sufficient men for Army of Occupation, etc., hence it will be 
necessary to adopt some system of selection and place the 
men retained as nearly as possible in same position as they 
would be in civil life with regard to pay and other conditions 

Politics, 1. Swiss Parliament opened Jan. 28 in extraordinary session wi th 

a view to total revision of constitution in democratic direc- 
tion and further extension of rights of people. 

2. According to semi-official statement, Turkish Cabinet has re- 
signed as reuult of Allied deinandsthat Turkey restore proper- 
ty carried away during war from occupied territories and 
cease carrying out drastic measures against Greeks and Aemen- 
ians. Said that Sultan will participate in work of recon- 
structing Cabinet. 

3. Press cable dispatch Jan. 27 says: "Well informed persons aay 
the German government, although it denies it, is not merely 
holding the National Assembly at Weimar, but will transfer th 
seat of government to Weimar*" 



I ; 



Director's Office 
Council of National Defense 

No. 41 



Internatio ml 




January 30, 1919. 



.^CONSTRUCTION NEWS 



London Daily Mail's Paris correspondent says Jan. 30: r The 
British Imperial r ar Cabinet has accepted President Wilson's 
theory of internationalization as applied to the captured 
German colonics, notwithstanding energetic protests from 
representatives of the dominions. " 



U. S. C ongress 



1. The Senate Appropriations Sub- 'Commit tee, in charge of the 
Legislative, Executive and Judicial Appropriation Bill, has 
agreed to the $2*0 a year bonus for Federal and D. C. Gov- 
ernment employees voted into the measure by the House. 

2. Without a dissenting vote, the House Jan. 29 passed the 
Emergency Deficiency Bill with its rider repealing appropria- 
tions of $7,179,156,900 and authorizations of $8,221,029,290 
made during the :var for the Army and Navy Departments. 

3. Representative Towner introduced bill proposing creation of 
a Federal Department of Education headed "by a Cabinet member 
Legislation requested by American Federation of Labor and 
the National Education Ass'n. 

■i. Erection in Washington of a Museum of History and Arts as a 
memorial to Theodore Roosevelt has proposed in a bill intro- 
duced yesterdav by Representative Kicks. 



State D apt. 



1. Ratification of the Prohibition Amendment to the Federal Con- 
stitution was proclaimed formally Jan. 29 b£ Frank L. Polk, 
Acting Sec. of State. 

2. Department announces tht.t recognition of the provisional 
government of Poland has bean accorded by the American 
government. 



Treasury Dept. 



Because the Lenten season this year does not end until April 
20, Treasury is considering postponement of opening of next 
Liberty Loan campaign from April 6 to April 31. 



War Dept. 



Sur. Gen. Ireland has announced that it is the .policy of 
War Dept. to retain wounded and sick soldiers at military 
hospitals only. long enough to restore their health to a 
degree which will permit them to return to their former 
occupations. 



Navy Dept. 



Sec. Daniels daid in address Jan. 29: "The biggest question 

in U. S. today is the merchant marine question." 



No, 41 



■2- 



January 30, 193.9. 



Interior Dept. 



Sec. Lane has asked Congress for an appropriation of 
$200,000 for use by the Geological Survey in making an in- 
vestigation on the po ver supply for the Boston-Washington 
industrial region. 



Agriculture Der>t. 



Commerce Dept. 



Carl ^roc-roan, Asst. Sec. of Agriculture,, has tendered his 
resignation and it lias been accepted by the President. 

The bill providing for the taking of the Fourteenth Decen- 
nial Census has been reported bfr the conferees of the Senato 
and House and early action on the conference report is ex- 
pected. Bill as reported provides for a census ofpopuiation, 
agriculture, manufactures, mines and quarries, etc, 85,000 
persons will do the work. 



Labor Dept. 



1. Early action on legislation to adjust war contract contro- 
versies urged by Department in statement to Congress Jan. 29 
Statement shows that the labor surplus in many industrial 
centers has "increased rapidly in last ten days, 

3. Need of better care of Connecticut's dependent and delin- 
quent children, of making special provision for defective 
children, and necessity for change in probation system are 
emphasized in report on Children B jf ore the Courts in Conn- 
ecticut, prepared by Professor W. B. Bailey of Yale, for 
Children's Bureau. 



Civil Service Comm. 



Commission announces Jan. 30 that many of the Government 
offices in Washington are in need of temporary clerks to help 
dispose of accumulations of work incident to after-war re- 
adjustment. 



War Trade Board 



Board made public Jan. 39 British restricted list. This . 
shows drastic import regulations, covering a wide range of 
commodities and effective March 1, which nave been promul- 
gated by British Government for protection of its industries 
during period of reconstruction. 



B. R. Administration 



Dir. Gen. Hines announced Jan. 30 that about $300,000,000 
will be spent by r..ilroids this year for extensions and im- 
provements and $200,000,000 for new cars and locomotives. 



Food Administration 



A bill to enable Government to live up to its guaranty to 
the farmers th*t they should receive $2.30 a bushel for 1919 
wheat crop has been transmitted to Senate and House Comndt- 
tees on Agriculture by Food administration. Bill appropri- 
ates $1,350,000,000 for the purpose. 



, :< C'v> 



.4 :.iy 

! ..i ,■ 



. . . 1 



\ T o. 41 



-3- 



January 30, 1919. 



Uhletics 



Columbia University, New York, inaugurates innovation in 
athletics with purpose of nuking athletics more general 
and at same time to make it possible to develop a better 
standard of varsity and freshman teams. 



Blinded 



Society in charge of permanent blind relief war fund for 
soldiers and sailors of the Allies points out the character 
of bfiioks men ao afflicted like to read. Books range in sub- 
jects from trade-manuals, through light fiction /profound 
treatises on science, philosophy, theology, mathematics and 
higher literature. States that blind can read as rapidly 
as average person possessing sight, accomplishment for 
blind since opening of war include invention of a stenograph 
ic machine and new method of shorthand by Lt. Muller, grad- 
uate engineer of Paris School of Arts and Crafts, himself 
blinded in war. 



Demobilization 



1. Press dispatch states that at least 200,000 Americans now in 
army will remain in France. Majority will remain because 
they wish to marry French women, remainder because they are 
attracted to French life and its opportunities for American 
energy. 



Finance 



2. Members of Charleston, W« Va, , Kiwanis Club have launched a 
movement toward formation of nation-wide "hireback club" for 
reemployment of all soldiers in their former positions. Plan 
will also take cars of surplus of soldiers requiring work. 

Met earnings of Federal Beserve Bank of New York for 1918 
were $22,634,033, an increase of $18,904,424 over those of 
1917, according to statement made public Jan. 29. This is 
109$ on the paid-in capital of $20,467,891. 



Food 



1. Julius Barnes, Pres . of Food Admn, Grain Corp, assured flour 
dealers and miliars in statement issued in New York, Jan.39,< 
that there would be no impairment during the present crop 
year of flour prices dependent upon the guaranteed price of 

wheat . 



2. A national boycott on all food dealers not reducing retail 
prices' immediately to conform to wholesale price reductions 
was called for Jan. 29 by Nat'l Housewives' League, N. Y. 



Labor 



1. Sam : l G-ompers announced Jan. 29 that labor leaders from 
America, England, France, Canada and Belgium, will meet in 
Paris, Jan. 30 to dismiss international labor questions 
growing out of war. 



lo. 41 



-a- 



January 30, 1919 



Labor 



A committee representing labor, the public and employers, to 

deal in a practical manner with labor problem, has been 

appointed in New York as result of work done by Research 
Bureau of N. J. 



Mining 



Reconstruction 






Tobacco 



FOREIGN 
Demobilization 



Finance 



Memorial 



Politic 






International cooperation in mining in North America will 
be one of principal topics to be discussed at convention of 
American Institute of Mining Engineers to be held in New 
York Fab. 17 to 20, 

Announcement made Jan. 39 that reconstruction along progres- 
sive lines is demanded by National Popular Government 
League in a program which will be submitted to Congress in 
near future. 



Washington Post Jan. 30 states that tobacco seems to be es- 
tablished as a necessity in soldier's life, 95$ of members 
of ...E.F. using it in some form. States that smoking has 
increased in army overseas since signing of armistice. 



1. Plans have been perfected for introduction in British Par- 
liament of bill granting subsidies amounting tc millions of 
pounds sterling for purchase of small farms for men disr. 
charged from army. Measure will be given precedence in Par- 
liament, while Government will bear cost of -rork and local 
authorities will be asked to assist in carrying out details. 

2. Maj . Ian Hay Beith of British Army stated in address in 
Washington Jan. 39: "One of big problems of Britain is to 
take cere ox 6,000,000 men in service and millions of vomen 
in munitions work. The country in a measure has aade arrange- 
ments to care for its soldiers and sailors after demobiliza- 
tion, which will aid greatly in reconstruction work. Each 
mail when discharged from service is given month's holiday 
with full pay, a,nd allowance granted his wife is continued 
for that period. After that, for certain period, man is 
allowed a certain percentage of his pay until he obtains 
work. Woman munitions workers are also provided for pend- 
ing their obtaining new 'work. Government pays them all 

of greater part of their salary for period of 6 months, 
pending their obtaining employment." 

Sir. E« H. Holden, Dir, of London City .aid Midland Bank, 
stated Jan. 29 that cost of the war to Gre^t Britain was 
approximately $-±0, 6-±0 , 000 , 000 . Of this' sum $5,535,000,000 
was loaned to the Allies. 

Press dispatch states: "The decision of Belgium government 
to maintain Ypres in its present condition as a permanent 
memorial is endorsed by British press and public opinion." 

Princess Patricia of Gonnaught set? precedent in renouncing 
r er royal status and prerogatives upon b3coning brid6 of 
British commoner. 



r . 
6 



/ 



/ 



Director's Office 
Council of National Defense January /31, 1919 

DAILY DIGEST OF RECONSTRUCTION 3OTB 




No. 42. 



International 1. Paris correspondent of London Evening Standard say3 Jan. 

30: "The Peace Conference has settled one important point 
with regard to indemnity question. The Conference has 
eliminated any intention of calling upon Germany -ind her 
associates to pay the Allied countries the cost of the war 
or to impose heavy indemnities upon the enemy nations," he 
says. "But the minds of the Conferance are fiaked that 
there shall be full and ample reparation for unjustifiable 
damage done," he adds. 

3. Press dispatch Jan. 30 --.says: "Pres. Wilson is urging with 
great tenacity the view that whole of former German Paci- 
fic islands should be entrusted to Australasia as a man- 
datory of League of Nations. If he gains his point, Pres. 
Wilson will establish precedent for the settlement of oth- 
er and more difficult matters involving (territorial inter- 
ests." 

State Dept. Dept. made public Jan. SO correspondence between Col. House 

and foreign ministers of Great Britain, Prance and Italy 
showing origin and development of the commission for vorld 
food relief, with Harbert Hoover as Dir. General. Activi- 
ties of organization contemplate aid for enemv populations 
as well .as for those liberated foom enemy yokek and neu- 
trals contiguous to enemy countries. 

Treasury Dept. Dept. announces that W.S.S. sales this month, increasing 

over the record of last month, sent the total of receipts, 
from this source above $1,000,000,000. 

W«*r Dept. 1. Sec. Baker has issued instructions modifying to a lirrdted 

extent the blanket prohibition against promotion of officer 
promulgated by War Dept. immediately after the armistice 
was signed. 

2. Asst. Sec. Keppel .announced Jan. 30 that there would be 
no change in present system of demobilizing the Army. 

3. With the announcement that 10,000 disabled soldiers are 
now being given educational work, in 43 army hospitals, 
Sur. Gen. Ireland Jan. 30 sent out call for additional 
instructors and supervisors. Ofiicers and enlisted men de 
sirous of transferring to this service are instructed to 
apply to Division of Physical Reconstruction,. War Depart* 
ment. 

4. Office of Director of Purchase and Storage announces that 
up to signing of armistice 7,615,595 lbs. of candy had 
been shipped overseas, and since that time orders have 
gone through for 51,000,000 lbs. 



■« • 



'. ll*;*.:r -isift-'V ■.■'.;■:•'.! .-.. '•./ tn-. x..",io^ si.-*..'- 

' - <• r.' ; .;-.". v -.'J, '.'7 .; :'....• ,'ij •/ : •..'■' :' •. ;,) it; 

.* . r ',..: ■ . itintitit LcXXXiv Uitf "ft,.; oS BS.9<-Xso«i£-i 

■*••■•* . - .-.*■ - .• .--.■ "', ,- . « 'i * • . ;-,.. . * ♦ ,.'.'!; .. 



1* '..' 

ir . . 



. t - 






■■ It 






r< ' ' 



i* .. . » 






ii^j*. ..-..;: 



-f.-i • »• ; - : -, 

... ..j r+V i . .. 

.• ' ' V n ■• s.1 ;' 
... * «. »» *■;* v 

■>. » . I .. «ri 



i. > a. - • 

.. . • i I ., 



is i . 



." .1 



5 • ■{, . I v 






•;■,/ 






.J 
:! *l 






u 



,-'i 



'*:.. 






' 



No. 42 -2- January 31, 1919. 

- ■ ■ ■ ' , ■ , , . - 

Interior Dept. Legislation urged by Sec» Lane to extend Homestead Law 

privileges to Ameilicans «rtio served on Mexican Border and 
in present war was approved Jan. 29 by Senate Public Land? 
Committee and ordered reported favorably. 

Labor Dept. 1. Discussing general labor situation before a joint meeting 

of Senate and House committees on Labor Jan. 30, Sec. of 
Labor ViilJon urged immediate enactment of legislation. to 
provide "buffer" employment so as to prevent the "philos- 
ophy of force" from even getting a hold an this country 
during reconstruction period. 

2. While -urging lesisjlatiian providing for temporary relief of 
unemployment situation, Louis F. Post, Asst, Sec. of Labo:c\ 
before Senate Education and Labor Committee, Jan. 30, pre- 
dicted that a period of prosperity unequaled in our his- 
tory, with plenty of labor and remunerative wages, will 
follow readjustment .period, 

3. Legislation to push action on $3,000,000,000 building pro- 
gram of Department of Labor, through its Division of Pub- 
lic Works and Construction Development, was urged Jan, 30 
in statement showing that labor surplus has increased 
rapidly in past 10 days* A boom in building will settle 
labor situation, it is felt. 

4. Nat'l War Labor Board heard 22 questions submitted Jan. 30 
by Washington Car Men. Questions revolve about a better- 
ment of working conditions, including an inquiry as to 
present wage scale. 

Shipping Board 1. Charles Pies, Dir. Gen. of Emergency Fie 3t -Corp*, said 

Jan. 30 that it will be the policy of Government in ship 
yard strikes to "let the Job stand." He referred par- 
ticularly to situation at Seattle, wher? men had bean oul 
a week, and San Francisco, where workers in two trades 
declared intention to go out shortly. Mr. Piez. declared 
that most of the jaards needed a breathing spell , 

2. Board announces sweeping reductions in trans-Atlantic 

freight rates on commodities carried from south-Atlantic 
and Gulf Ports to foited Kingdom, France, Holland and Ita\- 
in American bottoms. 

Banking Sir Edwin Holden, Jan. 29, urged reorganization of Bank 

of England, particularly that the Bank should be authorise 
to issue notes, not only upon gc3fl. security but also on 
commercial bills of exchange, thus following the example 
of the present ..taarican currency law. 



-3- 



January 31, 1919. 



amerce 



Labor 



Patriotism 1. 



2. 



Rai lroade 



Reconstruction 



Belief 



Trade 



Press dispatch from Memphis, Tenn., Jan. 29, states that 
telegrams have been sent byMsmphis Cotton Exchange to other 
cotton exchangee in Sov.th and to Governors of other cotton grc 
ing s tat a s, urging that Feb, 15 be designated "Safe and Sane 
Farming Day", and that it be proclaimed a holiday for purpose 
of bringing farmers, merchants and bankers together in meeting; 
at county seats to effect organizations pledging members to 
reduce cotton acreage and increase production of food staffs. 

It is understood that British Ministers decided against inter- 
vening in s trikes on ground that they have not been authorized 
by trade unionists. It is view of Ministers that the men, in 
the absence of usual s trike pay, are not ibikely long to keep 
up the movement and that Government, therefore, should confine 
its action to preserving order. 

Dispatch from Headquarters of Aioar. Army of Occupation states 
that a movement to erect in Washington, D, C, a monument to 
"American Womanhood in Commemoration of Her Loyalty, Sacrifices 
and Devotion to the American Expeditionary Forces, " has been 
started by the Third American Army. 

Committee of Washington citizens orders 10,000 medals for D. 
of C. soldiers, sailors and marines \too had a part in world wa' 
to be presented as gift of residents of District. 

Hearly 500,000 railway employees, or one-fourth of entire numbe:. 
of railroad men, have effected some sort of organization in re 
cent months, according to reports reaching labor leaders in 
Washington. 

Women from all sections of country and representing all walks 
of life will attend Victory Dinner dn Lincoln's Birthday, Feb- 
12. and a conference on following day, when there will be dis*- 
cussed the part women are to play in post- war period. 

According to a detailed statement of foreign grain requirement 
cabled by Herbert Hoover to Julius H. Barnes, Pres.of tf. S. 
Grain Corp.. # and made public Jan. 30, between now and July 1 
France and. Italy mil take 80,000,000 bushels of uiieat and 
flour from Grain Corp., while Allied government will take also 
about 75,000,000 bu. of eats. 

Vice Pres. 'ilarshall said in talk before D. of C. Bankers' Asjr 
Jan. 30; "Victoxy is only half accomplished if you let the 
thrift and enterprise and industry of this country come sutler- 
ly to an end. The manufacturer of this country who is now ha 
ing because he hopes the bottom is going to drop out of raw 
materials, the wholesaler who is not buying because he hopes 
manufactured products will come down and the retai ler who is 
hesitating for the same purpose has not got the gleam of the 
new America," 



.:< .: 



i,U . ?.. . : .s t «;*4: :. :.■ 

. .: „u.a-',i.' r. jI. ,;...;.' v-* .;..• a:.>.u •'. ii ■ .•-„•,. i- ■■'..■£*$ 

.1 act: -.. ■:■.:'■;. ":. ?.-•;• H ' .'.;•<: ,i.;/.,-o<. si 9? .. .neifcjxc ;:;>■?*;>• 

tf...''. .:;:; i'-~.'-" r'-r •'■;, .-, I ,icl i u' : nl:\"E» ,?.• #*,**; V" -i 

P86-TXi""; 'i '.: ";^ .;:!:•.. .. . • - .■'.vi.vt-: &3 *i U.r.? **«*.- ."vs-A •■.ru.rvr. 1 

-:i':JU',~ :'*. v«rick ■■:.? 4.1 -,\ .'■:. ?&■£&%&& ^sir.-;!-:..':. •njyv:.;*::' tc 

c-3 ■:f : " •' ~- :},ii'.\bf£ . .-..-^.v: i.\„ v:-;> io' .•"':"' •■•} *.: : -. "di/ii.-:-; J/- 

fccs'iiviJiv .•-.■- :v j -.-: :v- :i ■*..•: J;.:;* J^aiKT" ««■ ^; >.Xtj ■ . :„iii*'i 

."si ,.■■ v.. J J..-* •:■:■ ;.-i : ' ';ji v-.< iv %•£ •I ,;. J ?;.£;•.••• ;,.».. v.: '..I *••-' 

.: • r ftfjftl •■;■•:•;!/ Jer? r r.:t; ,\v..' ^iil* ■ i'iJ.'«X' 'i-: t.-imi.''.. ■. J 

sail: c £*:•■;. . .-'. ■ -i».j ,?r» . , v„v •'' ;» ..• istx ?«««;. "ar. * • •„• 

.•:; :Vv • " ' v^rj'T a? ;: iZ' . . . 

■■ii.:- a . .' to ■-..*:... .T.w :«5 ■ v. !' .;J.; V: ::x-'t. iio-r-t-tji i' 

». ai'ixrfi: •. ■-■:U-. : 1 i:;; t- woi^i'.^tv.'va?" .tl toe.'o-iftie.aa" fftaiift - - ;! 
a,*."' .... ' ,?f-nv.c '-'•;.•. ,.-.:? it;- ;.' /sw>i'tt.. : .. J.i? cl ."5c-.ij-.--v.- ' .:.•.•.. 

■•.'.•i •-.:«5i*i-j r. -riiii::: -■'• ' V. '.eW'i.'.Sv 1 

>'r.i:£ .'#&% lo i'it : :t ;.;.;• -\ .. ?■•: .: 

■.awja".' .-:ii > /^ '.; .: -. .•■•••;•.-' •*•« . '. • -■•:■$. w.:i ", ■.!-•. ^.iv'i ••!• ■-;•'' 
•. -r ;:.: a .i^sln.vi • . ?-i. ■ ■ • e^tf^&'uie tv .. ,r. . ■• iJ. o-m./l iv 

. . .1 :i: '.. . 

7 -.L. ii... !_£:i?<!: •.. : t ;.-. V.1J «*sii '" -'"» ->fir:U& Mi Zjl*. 6""T"j ;^'..: 
-rfi ; ,•■:■: .-fftf ,• ! ;.-....J «& "s . :•- i . ,•*;..* Si".' icjf,^?.. XI ;. r,*ii^ io 

-■... ;.-."'• ••■... ,-.;« t 'l- t -^X.cLl/X ... • S*"!S"5«-'2i'3fl .. lilt .:,.t 

;*:. ■; v. -: :• . ; ; . ; : ■•..! :)J t ■'*♦'; «'.i.KW f'J*.^ Ki.V- *;-- .- ■ u-; 

..': ■ . • it : i- ■?..)'! ; *-.•«&.• ;• L<di. 

::-..■: 4 . :;.• ..;-' -.3 i> v ■. ' 

I v; ' .-?■.■',» .... I. 9t:-/r : .■ 

::; . j . -■:- hSxiisvd C".-- : OC*C' 4 Ct> ' ■ ? •";;< 
- '... •. . ■ I.:. '::' -.'irv; L.-i.-.l;. ?X.' : . > 





i-J. 


:j:^ '•. - 


1. 1 : 


.:!»/'. 


i i;.-- .f i 


■ ,oc 


V, '. 


." ft.- ■'■ 



■ . ':. i.', LI.;- v« ".'.'; ' iA'O J»i -;. ■;f..«" , - rK ;•- ■ .:n.*- 

■ ,■ •• •;;:; :': s. :;.> T -U-JU. -tv. srf* .£•■*«, .: \1 

ft!:- :"•;. - -d.i:. ai. •■:-•. ';? S»^---.-. " . '■•:...:■ ;.:i 

'-«r-'t*e .-.;*.•• ' : •.. M .' • .:. • !..:■. .- ■ .:... r:^?- a 

: kii ..' • ■- •:.;: • . - -'•■ • 'zukf.ii I x :-. 'i.«»«;ja 

> ■.'. r. -.'i' '.. •'- r.A j 'i-^'i- '■.:„'■ ii"; 1 -.. 

a 




Director 1 < Office 

Council of National Defense ^ February 1, 1919. 

DAILY DIC2ST OF RECONSTRUCTION NEWS 



International 1. Cable dispatch, Jan. 31, states that President Wilson is 

giving main attention to League of Nations plan. States 
further: "Having accepted the .tooerican plan for supervision 
of colonies by League of Nations it has now become necessary 
to give, body and substance to a League of Nations in order 
that it may perform the important tasks which are committed. 
to its care." 

2. Cable 5 ispatch, Jan. 31, states that Pre*. Wilson and Allied 
Prime Ministers this afternnon considered the Ealkan problem, 
particularly the disputes between the Serbians and the Ruman- 
ians. 

3. Cable dispatch, Jan. 31, states that no American troops will 
be sent to Turkey for garrisoning purposes. Pointed out that 
their use for this purpose would be inappropriate as U. S, 
has never bean at war with Turkey. 

U. 3. Congress 1. Legislation designed to validate and permit settlement of in- 
formal war contracts aggregating several billion dollars sent 
to conference Jan. 30 by Senate, which, without a record voti, 
passed the Military Committee's substitute for the measure 
recently passed by the House. 

2. By unanimous vote the Senate Commerce Comruttes Jan. 30 
ordered favorably reported a Vill by Sen. Jones, of •ai.iing- 
ton, taking from the Shipping Board authority to restrict 
construction of ships in American yards for for sign account. 

3. M. II. Brush, Pres. .American International Ship Building Corp. 
at Hog Island Ship Yard, stated befor? Senate Commerce Com- 
mittee Jan. 30 that yard will cost $66,000,000 when completed, 
Said five ships have been delivered to Shipping Bo^rd from Ho; 
Island and that 9 other vessels have been launched. Hr. 
Erash said further: "Aside from the snip-building facilities 
the construction of Hog Island is justified as a terminal. 

It is worth more than G-overnment has; invested in it because 
it is as good a deep • cter terminal as there is in U. 3." 

4. Universal compulsory military training for American youths as 
a permanent national policy is proposed in bill introduced 
Jan. 31 by S?n. New. 

Treasury Dept. 1. Dir. Lindsley of War Risk Bureau announced Jan. 31 that all 

allotment and allowance checks due in January, covering Novem- 
ber and December allotments, have b sen nailed* 



L i ■■ ■ ' . 



7:-. 



-•f 



Ho. 43 -3- February 1, 1919. 



Treasury 2. Col. Lindsley, Dir. of War Risk Bureau, announced Jan. 31 

conditions undervhich soldiers or sailors now holding 
government life insurance may convert these policies within 
five years to othe-* forms which can be carried with govern- 
ment during their life. Rates will be made public soon, and 
new policies will not be available until then. 

war Dept. 1. An Army of 500,000 men unanimous ly decided on Jan* 31 by 

House Military Oomnittee as basis for determining appropria- 
tion for army pay for year beginning July, 1S19. 

2. Brig. Gen. Robert Wood states that each soldier abroad, costs 
government $2,000, annually. 

3. Judge Advocate Gen. of Army has given opinion to effect that 
American soldiers in France may marry their sweethearts in 
U. 3. by proxy when such marriages do not contravene state 
statutes. 



Post Office Dept. \. P. M. G. Burleson issued an order Jan. 31 discontinuing tel- 
ephone service of hotels, apartment houses, clubs and similar 
institutions in New York City which charge for telephone 
messages an amount in excess of that charged for same service 
at public pav stations in same exchanges. 

3. Committee amendements to annual P. 0. appropriation bill 
authorizing P.M. G. to continue postal pneumatic tube ser- 
vice in New York and Brooklyn and prohibiting removal pend- 
ing action by Congress of the tube systems in other large 
cities adopted Jan. 30 by U. S. Senate. 

Navy Dept, Administration policy of vast naval expansion was approved 

Jan. 31 by House Naval Committee in recommending a new 3 ./t. 
building program. of 10 great battlesnips and 10 scout cruis- 
ers. 

Interior Dept. Bureau of Education has just printed a special Bulletin en- 
titled "^imerica 1 s Part in Winning World Peace". Purpose dis- 
semination of &atest possible information for boys and girls 
in -fiBerican schools on how the war was fought and won and 
what are the problems of reconstruction. Bulletin will be 
distributed at cost to all schools. 



Agriculture Dept. Dept. announces that nigh prices and increased production 

swelled total value of farm crops of country in 1918 half a 
billion dollars more than the total of any previous year. 
Aggregate value of farm crops have been placed at 
&14, 000, 769, 000. 



_.o. 



43 - 3 - February 1, 1S19. 



Labor Dept. 1. U. o. Employment Service estimates 117,324 employees of war 

industries in New York State have lost employment since 
armistice, Out of 935 firms doin^; work for Government 311 :. 
have dismissed all or part of employees, 

3. .In award by Nat'l r /ar Labor Board Jan. 31 ordered Kansas Citj 
Bivvy. Co, to restore to duty at once its striking employees 
under conditions prevailing before the strike and to prose- 
cute diligently its application for permission to increase 
fares xipon wnich increased wages previously awarded by the 
Board were contingent. 

3. Dept. asked Congress Jan. 31 for appropriation of $3,933,849 
required as a deficiency appropriation by Aar emergency B'm-- 
ployment Service, .^ss't. Sec. Post states that unless raqaes'. 
is granted Service will be compelled to terminate operation 
of many of its activities on April 1. 

4. Agreement on schedules, declared to be most important point 
in dispute, reached between Washington Hlwy. and Elec. Co. 
and its men Jan. 31. This agreement was reported by J. H. 
Vahey Counsel for Workers at hearing before examiners for 
Nat'l '7ar Labor Beard. 

'"ar Industries Board Full text of executive order dissolving War Industries Board 

and transferring certain of its functions to other agencies 
published in Official Bulletin, Jan. 39. 

r ar Trade Board 1. Extensive simplification of importation procedure, expected 4o 

result in stabilizing the import trade into U.S., has been 
announced by War Trade Board. 

3. Bo ird announced Jan. 37 that certain comrsodities on free list 
for exportation to Switzerland, included the item (Cinemato- 
graph films. " 

K. ?,. /Alma. Solution of the rail--vater controvers;/ 1 — a contest of inter- 

state trade of more than 50 years' stmding — by'ueveloi int- 
transportation on the waterways and coordinating and articu- 
lating them with a unified railway s stem," is proposed by 
former Dir . of B^ilroads HcAdoc in annual report. 

Food Aimn. 1. Bemoval of all restrictions on margins of profit on foodstuffs 

except cottonseed products and ages, and cancellations of 
most license requirements on import ere and distributers, ef- 
fective Feb. 1, announced Jan. 31 by Food A±mn. on authority 
of proclamation by President Wilson. 

3, Admn. announced Jan. 39 to various elements of cottonseed 
industry that it intends to continue, through present crop 
season, stabilization plan Arhich was put into effect with 
satisfactory results last September provided it continues to 
receive cooperation of different parts of industry. 



No. 43 - -± - February 1, 1913. 



American Rid Cro3S Building tempor ry homes ani providing farmers with cattle, 

Seed and arricultural implements are among the ways in vvhich 
will "be spent the appropriation of $125,000 made "by Red 
Cross for relief in connection vith Minnesota forest fires 
last fall, 

Y. ' . C. A. Cable dispatch from Paris states' that aided by practical ad- 

vice and guidance of ^nerican women, women of France have 
undertaken a big program to promote welfare of French working 
women. During two r scent days a conference on subject has been 
held under auspices of American Y.'.C.^. This vas attended by 
French women who are leaders of organizations. Plans include 
model hemes for employed women in industrial centars, houses 
for philanthropic and civil work, students' clubs, etc. 

Education. A building site valued at $100,000, gift of City of Paris, 

formally aceapted for American University Union Jan. 31 by 
H. B. Thompson, Treasurer of Union. Union contemplates erec- 
tion of building to be used as home for American students in 
Paris. 

Finance U. 3. in vestments in Canada estimated $1,372,850,000, more 

than double pre-war figure. 

Labor 1. To prevent unfortunate unemployment situation in D.C., Columbia 

Lodge No. 174, I.A..M*, composed of Liaci.inists employed at 
Navy Yard, unanimously adopted resolution to effect that or- 
ganization advocates consistsney in ragard to 8 hour day, and 
insists that 3 very member out of loyalty to organized labor 
discontinue all work in excess of 8 hours so that unemployed 
may, to that much greater extant, participate in field of 
labor. 

2. Union's executiva committee issued orders in New York Jai . 31 
diracting 700,000 members of United Taxtile Workers of America 
to establish an 8 hour day Feb. 3. 

Railroads S. D. !7arfield, Pres. of Nat'l -ss'n. of Onners of R.R. Secur- 

ities submitted to Senate Interstate Comrrerce Committee the 
security ncldars' view of railroad problem. He urged that 
roads be r.;t'arned to private operation as . early -s practicable 
with legislation isouinr a fixed r3tum on proparty investments 

Relief Cable dispatch from Paris states that ...lonzo Taylor of ~mer. 

Food Admn. and Sllis Drese of War Trade Board will le-ve for 
Geriaany to moke survey of German fr>od resources. 



, fr .. ■ . , 



• . . l- ■ 



>. . 




Dir actor's Office 
Council of National Defense February 3, 1919. 

DAILY DIGEST OF RECONSTRUCTION NEWS 
No. 44. 



International 1. Leon Bourgeois, French delegate on Society of Nations, pre- 
sented to Prssident Wilson, Premier Clemenceau, Premier 
Lloyd George and Premier Orlando text of proposal for for- 
mation of the League as agreed upon by international organi- 
zation, embracing the American, the British, the Italian, 
French and other associations. 

3. Cable dispatch from Paris states that the Commission on In- 
ternational Legislation on Labor of the Peace Conference 
unanimously elected Samuel Gompers as President at a meeting 
Feb. 1. 

U. S, Congress 1. War Revenue Bill revised to raise about $6,000,000,000 by 

taxation this year, and $4,000,000,000 annually thereafter, 
assumed final form Feb. 1 when Senate and House conferees 
reached complete agreement on measure. Bill will be present- 
ed to House Wednesday. 

3. To support the National Guard during next fiscal year an 

appropriation of $3,000,000 for a fore 3 of 106,000 officers 
and men was tentatively agreed upon Feb. 1 by House Military 
Affairs Committee. 

State Dept, 1. 3rd Asst. Sac. Long in address before American Manufacturers 1 

Ass'n Jan. 31 outlined policy of State Dept. in relation to 
foreign trade. Mr. Long said: "The Dept. of State has a 
very sincere and wholesome desire to encourags and stimulate 
our foreign trade, and in pursuance of its policy it applies 
every legitimate means to accomplish its object. (Full text 
of speech reprinted in Official Bulletin, Jan. 31. ) 

3. Consul Gen. Skinner has cabled from London that import li- 
censes from government of Iceland are no long3r necessary in 
support of applications for licenses for exportation of 
goods from U. S. to Iceland. 

Treasury Dept. 1. Sec. Glass said in article written for W^sh. Star Feb. £'■ 

"Instead of iays of dark foreboding, these should be days 
of rejoicing, of ccnfidenc3 and of high resolve. Ixcept for 
the 60,000 who gave up tneir live ; and the other tnousands 
who are returning i^uiiaed, the U. 3. has made no raal sacri- 
fice . In all matarial t.-injs the nation is richer and • 
stronger than it was before we went to v^r. 

3. Announcement made Feb. 3. by Asst. Sec. ":oyle that 3 Federal 
building operations have besn put into motion by award of 
contract for constraction. 



i . 



No 4 44 -3- February 3, 1919. 



War Dept. 1. Sec. Baker urged "before House Military Committee the abandon- 
ment of 13 of the 16 Nat'l Guard camps and purchase by the 
government of all National Army cantonments. 

2. Announcement made from Coblenz that daily messenger service 
will be inaugurated between Coblenz and Berlin. 

3. Cable dispatch from Paris Feb. 1 states that to ensure the 
writing of an accurate history of the war a score of officers 
under orders to return to America have been detained and sent 
to Italy to make a study of regions over which the Italian 
and Austrian campaigns were fought. A large number of offi- 
cers now engaged in studying devastated regions of France 
and Belgium. 

4. Gen. March, Chief of Staff, made public Feb. 1 official 
tables of major battle casualties of American Forces in - 
France. These show that approximately 10,000 men remain 
wholly unaccounted for nearly three months after ending of 
hostilities. 

P. 0. l Dept. Notice has osen received that packages of bona fide trade 

samples of tea not exceeding 8 oz. in weight may now be ad- 
mitted through regular, mails into United Kingdom, 

Commerce Dept. 1. Report of Foreign and Domestic Bureau states that American 

shoes are in high favor among the Cninese. 

2. Investigations which may require two years or more for their 
completion have been put under way by the Bureau of Standards 
and the Working Conditions Service, Dept. of Labor, in order 
to establish a series of industrial safety codes for protec- 
tion of workmen from injury, and to unify safety -jork 
throughout the country. 

Labor Dept. 1. U. S. Employment Service reports that last week shows the 

same steady increase in unemployment in almost all part of 
U. 3. Number of cities reporting surpluses of labor over 
demand has increased from 44fr to 50%i 

2. Officials of Dept. state that confidence in the early resump- 
tion of building and construction work, on a scale approaching 
normal is indicated by building interests in all parts of 
country. 

3. Officials characterize labor situation in copper mining dis- 
tricts of Arizona as in serious condition. 

4. Dept. announced Feb. 1 its purpose of extending U. S. Employ- 
ment Service to American insular possessions. 

5. F. T. taller, Dir. of Div. of Public Works and Constr. Devel- 
opment, stated Feb. 1 that disturbances in the building in- 
dustries during past few years have been due less to ques- 
tions among workers of wages and shorter hours than of neces 
sity for readjustments because of labor-saving machinery- 



: t. 



;,> 



.1 

.7.. 



1 , 



■I" 



..A* 






.ir. v. 



'I 



No. 44 - 3 - February 3, 1919 



Council of Nat'l Grosvenor B. Clarkson, Director, issues statement Feb. 3 
Defense announcing that Council of Nat'l Defense has created a Re- 

contruction Research Division. This Division is outgrowth 
of reconstruction and survey work organized and carried on 
by Director Clarkson for past five months by direction of 
council and under specific authority of President of U. S. 

Shipping Board Charles Piee, Dir. Gen. of Emergency Fleet Corp., in formal 

statement issued Feb. 1 on shipworkars' strike on Pacific 
Coast, said that "so long as the workers remain away from 
their posts, the Emergency Fleet Corp. cannot treat with 
them. 

R. R. Administration 1. Dir. Gen. Hines announced Feb. 3 that it has cost the Gov- 
ernment $435,425,968 more to operate the railroads for one 
year and one month ending Jan. 31 than it has received from 
the roads.. 

3. Dir. Gen. Kines reported Feb. 3 that all but $61,333,000 of 
original $500,000,000 revolving fund for Administration had 
now been used. 

3. A. H. Smith, Regional Director, announced Feb. 2 that unifi- 
cation of operation of Government controlled railroads in 
the Eastern Region resulted in an estimated saving of 
$33,348,000 during 1918, as compared with annual cost of 
running these roads under private ownership. 

4. Admn. issues call for sarvices of accountants. 



War Trade Board 1. Board announced Feb.' 3 thecmost sweeping removal of r?stric- 

tions upon exportation of food stuffs made since signing of 
armistice. 



a 



Board announces Feb. 3 that Dutch ships now under control and 
service of U. S* will be immediately raturned to Holland. 



3. Board announces that it has adopted a new and very much sim- 
plified form for use in connection with the issuance of 
bunker licenses. 

4. Board announces extensive simplification of importation pro- 
cedure, which may well result in tha stabilizing of the im- 
port trade into U. B, 

5. Board announces, for information of exporters in U. 3. , that 
it has bean informed that the prohibition on the importation 
of the raw hides of all descriptions and weights has bean 
removed by British import restrictions and dealings in raw 
hides are now freely authorized. 

U. S. Fuel, Admn. Admn. announcad Feb. 1 the discontinuance of ill };rice con- 
trol ctnd much of the supervision over distribution of ceal, 
coke, oil, j.nd natural gas. 









.'. v 






«.■..• 






's.. 






■j :.■".•■ r 






f:- 



Nc. 44 



- 4 - 



February 3, 1919 



Commerce 



Demobilization. 1. 



Labor 
Relief 

Trade 
Conventions 



1. 



Chamber of Commerce of U. S. has submitted to a vote of its 
membership over the country proposals that anti-trust legis- 
lation, including both Sherman and Clayton acts, be revised 
by Congress to meet post-war conditions and that standards 
of general business conduct be established by Government and 
administered by a supervisory body* 

A concurrent resolution, calling upon the Michigan War Pre- 
paredness Board to lend each returned soldier from State in 
need of temporary financial aid a sum not to exceed $50. has 
been adopted by lower House of the legislature. 

To enable discharged soldiers and sailors to obtain civilian 
clothing more cheaply, the Shopping Bureau of Nat'l League 
for Women's Service has arranged with a number of men's 
furnishing establishments in New York, to allow all former 
enlisted men substantial discounts. 

Beginning Feb. 3 the greater part of the textile industry in 
New England will operate on a basis of 43 hours a week* 

Cable dispatch from Paris states that 10 billion francs have 
been advanced to Belgium by U. S. , Great Britain and France, 
the amount to be deducted from first installment of war in- 
demnity to be paid bv Germany. 

Practically all .American cotton growers in lower California 
have agreed to stop picking because of edict of President 
Carranza placing an export tax of $30 a bale on cotton. 

More than 3,000 official delegates have notified League to 
Enforce Peace tn^t they will attend the Atlantic Con.jress for 
a League of Nations to be held in New York Feb. 5 and 6. 



3. Nat'l Board of Farm Organizations will convene in Washington 
Feb. 11 and continue throughout week. 

3. A Pan-African conference, to be held in Paris Feb. 13, 13 
and 14, in which representatives from North and South Amer- 
ican, West Indies and Africa will be represented, has been 
sanctioned "by Premier Clemenceau, according to cable made 
ptiblie in N. Y. by Nat'l Ass'n. for Advancemjnt of Colored 
People. 



FOREIGN 
Aviation 



1. Received by C. of N. D, Reports of British Civil Aerial 

Transport Committee, as presented to Parliament. 83 pages. 
This committee was appointed to consider and report to Air 
Board with regard to steps which should be taken with view 
to development and regulation after the mar of aviation for 
civil and commercial purposes from a domestic, imperial and 
international standpoint. 



■:.- • - £ 



To. 44 



- 5 - 



F9bruaiy 3, 1919 



Aviation 



Commerce 



Demobilization 



Labor 



Politics 



Trade 



2. British Government has allotted a squadron of military air- 
planes to convey foodstuffs to Belgium for relief of popu- 
lation. Service will begin immediately. 

Weekly Bulletin, Canadian Dept. of Trade and Commerce, re- 
ports acute news print paper shortage in Italy. 

Cable dispatch from Australia states that a sum totaling 
5,000,000 pounds sterling will be set aside by Australia 
for benefit of soldiers discharged from army. 

1, Cable dispatch Feb. 2 states that many of the leaders in 
camps of capital and labor are bringing out specifics for a 
general remedy. Proposal of John R. Clynes, former food con- 
troller, for an industrial congress representing all inter- 
ests seems to be most popular* 

2. Cable dispatch from London Feb. 1 states that there is no 
improvement in strike situation in United Kingdom. 

1. Kurt Eisner, head of new Bavarian Republic, stated to corres- 
pondents of N. Y. Tribune that Germany's history is only now 
beginning and she will be world's foremost democracy. 

2. No less than 250 members of new British House of Commons 
have served in war. All ranks are represented. 

According to cablegram from Paris, French Ministry of Indus- 
trial Reconstruction has announced that the control of the 
iron and steel consortium over imports was withdrawn from 
Jan. 2, 1919, and stocks on hand are being liquidated. 



u*^. 




Eoconstruction Research Division / \jl February 4, 1919. 

DAILY DIGEST OF RECONSTRUCTION NEWS 
ife. 45. ^' 



International 1. "res. Wilson delivered an sdiress in Chamber of Deputies 

Feb. 3 having as auditors Pres. Poincare, Presidents of the 
Chamber and Senate, and large numbers of members of both hou*s 
ses of Parliament, and personnel of French Cabinet. Entire 
audience stood during speech. 

2. Press dispatch from Paris Feb. 3 says: "When Pres, Wilson 
returns to Washington he will be able to announce definite 
agreement for League of Nations. Within period of 10 days 
binding pacts will have been effected between five powers 
and smaller nations in Peace Conference. **** Larger powers 
show a spirit of unselfishness in concessions one to the 
other, *** Definite agreement has been reached that there 
shall be a general disarmament, the nations retaining only 
such military forces as are necessary for their internal 
needs. " 

3. Sobt. Lansing, American Sec. of State, was unanimously elec- 
ted President of the Committee on Responsibility for the War, 
which held its first meeting in Paris Feb. 3. 

4. Mr. Gompers' signalized his acceptance of Chairmanship of 
Commission on International Labor by final refusal to have 
anything to do with Berne conference. 

U. S. Congress 1. Senate approved Feb. 3 Committee Amendment to the Legislative. 

Executive and Judicial Appropriation Bill returning govern- 
ment positions to all soldiers and sailors who relinquished 
them to gc to war. 

3, After months of deliberation, House and Senate conferees 
Feb. 3 reached final agreement on Oil Leasing Bill under 
which more than 50,000,000 acres of government-owned oil, gas, 
coal, phosphate and sodium lands in Western States and Alaska 
would be opened for development under a leasing system. 

War Dept. Gen Pershing has been authorized by War Dept. to s end home 

for immediate discharge from army and drafted or enlisted man 
who presents convincing evidence of sickness or o&her dis- 
tress in his family. 

Labor D=pt. 1. U. S, Employment Service announces that to care for thousands 

of experts among officers and men who are being discharged 
from Army and Navy, the Professional and Special Section of 
Employment Service has opened two zone offices, one in Nov 
York City and one in Chicago. 



I • ,t • - ." «■ 



->• • x. ; 



No. 45 



-a- 



Fabruary 4, 1919. 



Labor Dept. 



2. Press dispatch from Paris, Feb. 3, states that Miss Julia C. 
Lathrop, Chief of Children's Bureau, has bean in conference 
in Paris' with a number of persons from France and Belgium 
relative to international Child Welfare Conference to be held 
in U. S. in April, 

3. Prompt employment of as many men as practicable in public 
works construction and in remaking machinery so that it may be 
transformed from war work to peace production, will, in the 
opinion of officials of Department, do much to prepare coun- 
try for undertaking its large foreign trade program in near 
future. It will alKO minimize danger of serious unemployment, 
at this time. 



Civil Service Comm. 



R. R. Admn. 



War Trade Board 1. 



Commission announces that discharged soldiers and sailors who 
left Civil Service to enter war and who desire reinstatement 
should notify Certification Clerk, Office of Civil Service 
Comm. at Washington? . 

Dir. Gen. Bines, testifying Feb . 3 before Senate Interstate 
Commerce Committee, declared he did not believe in government 
ownership, but in organization of a few big railway companies 
subject to government supervision. Mr. Hines said government 
operation eith3r should be extended five years and time given 
for calm deliberation, or roads turned back to private manage- 
ment before the present 21 months' period expires . 

Board announces simplification of export rules, whereby the 
American exporter will be relieved of many difficulties nec- 
essarily imposed by war conditions. 

Board announces that practically all food stuffs except wheat 
and wheat flour have been removed from the export conservation 
list. 



Federal Trade Comm. At request of Attorney General, Federal Trade Commission has 

agreed to reopen the newsprint paper price agreement reached 
last spring, and has set Feb. 11 as date for preliminary 
hearing. 

Food Administration Closing of all divisions of Food Admn. except Grain Corp. be- 
fore Mar. 1 is predicted by officials, in commenting on 
statement of W. A. Glasgow, Jr., Counsel for Admn., before 
Senate Agriculture Committee Feb, 1 that agency would pass 
out of existence within three weeks. 

American R6d Cross 1. David H. Brown, Asst. Mgr. Potomac Division, announced Feb. 4 

that because of pressing need for clothes to allay sufferings 
of destitute populations of Europe, and large demands received 
for hospital garments for wounded soldiers in America and 
France, Red Cross chapters throughout country will be asked to 
supply in near future another large quota of them. 



No- 45 



-3- 



February 4, 1919. 



American Red Cross 2. Amer:.r;a:i Red Cr.^os has appropriated $30,826 for erection and 

maintenance of a monrmeni, on Island of Islay, Scotland, whex 
are buried 3.79 African soldiers who perished in sinking of 
»ascania and Otranto. 

3. AnnoiTiCement made Feb. 3 tells how nitrous oxide gas, an 
anesthetic, made available in large quantities in France 
thrchgh joint efforts of Army Meiical Corps and American Sec? 
Cross, saved iiVes of many American soldiers. 



Agriculture 



Grain dealers, appearing Feb. 3 before House Agriculture Com' 
mittoe prcpcsed that Government pay guaranteed price of $?«sS 
a bushel for 192.9 wh eat crop and sell it to consumer at 
world market price which they estimated would be about $1,25. 



FOREIGN 

Finance 



Food 



In its announcement of national Liberty Loan, Bohemian gov- 
ernment called for loan of 500,000,000 crown. Amount sub- 
scribed was 1,943.431,100 crowns by 191,410 subscribers. 
Loans beais interest at 4$ and was issued at par. 

Report of U ; S. Consul Gen. at London states that British 
Food Controller has authorized hoviseholders to purchase and 
keep in the house up to one sack of flour per household, 
notwithstanding existing orders. 



Labor 



1. British Cabinet held session Feb. 3 to discuss labor situa- 
tion. Said, however, that government is against interven- 
tion. 



Trade 



3. 120 delegates, representing 12 countries, have arrived at 
Berne. Switzerland, to attend International Socialist Con- 
ference. No American delegates in attendance. 

1. Repor o of Commercial Attache states that over 500,000 bags 
of coffee are ready for shipment from Brazil to U, S. , req- 
uisitioning 10 steamers during next .6 weeks. 

2. Report of U. S. Consul at Manchester states that British 
Co'to n Board has permitted an increase of 10$ in amount of 
machinery to run in cotton trade. Reported that these con- 
cessions are granted on accoun* of fact that at present time 
more cotton is available and that men are being released 
from Army. 



COUNCIL OF NATIONAL DEFENSE 
Reconstruction Research Division 

No. 46 




DAlLYvPIGEST OF RECONSTRUCTION NEFS 



February 5, 1919 



U, S, Congress 1. 



2. 



3. 



According to statement made by Rep« Mann, Feb, 4, legislation 
creating a non-partisan commission to study and report a budget 
system to Congress has been outlined by leaders in both parties 
with a view to its passage at this session. 

In a partial agreement, reached Feb, 4 by Senate and House Con- 
ferees on legislation for validation and settlement of informal 
war contracts, aggregating about $2,750,000 ,000, Senate Managers 
yielded and struck from bill a plan for an appellate commission 
to pass upon awards of government officials. 

Live stock producers Feb, 4 advocated, before Senate Agriculture 
Committee and House Inter-State Commerce Committee, a govern- 
ment regulated monopoly of the meat industry as only means of 
satisfying both producer and consumer and preventing cattle bus~ 
iness from being destroyed. 



♦ 
State Dept. 1, Correspondence outlining the origin and development of the Su- 

preme Council of Supply and Relief for extending aid to the 
needy civilian population of Europe has been made public by 
Department of State in Official Bulletin, Feb, 3* 

2, Dept , states that as result of communication with French Govt, 
the latter does not consider this a favorable time to hold Pan- 
African Conference in Paris, 



Treasury Dept , 



Comptroller of Treasury has cut red-tape and is arranging for 
facilitating pay of thousands of discharged soldiers whose re«s 
cords were complete at time they were mustered out. Claims are 
to be readjusted without passing through usual auditing channels?. 



War Dept, 



2, 



3, 



Sec. Baker has submitted to the House a bill providing that en- 
listed men of regular army who were discharged to accept com- 
missions in army during war shall be given retired pay and 
allotments of Master Signal Electricians when mustered out of 
service* 

Gen .March announced in weekly press statement that the U, S, 
passed the million mark in demobilization last week. 

Brig, Gen, t% F, Harts, American Commander of Paris District, . 
in report submitted to Maj . Gen, J, G, Harbord, states that re- 
ports of wide-spread lawlessness on part of A, E, F, are wholly 
unfounded. Gen. Harts characterizes continued anti-American 
propaganda as malicious esaggeration. 



■y. ;;■;■ 



No. 46 -2- February 5, 1919 



War Dept. 4. Sur. Gen. Ireland directs tnat sick ^nd wounded men of ^ir 

Service flying personnel on arriving at ports of debar?<&tion 
will be sent to U. S. Army Gon. Hospital Wo. 2 at Fort McHcnry, 
Baltimore; or, if already convalescent, to Air Service depot, 
Garden City, L.I. 

Navy Dept. Dept. will discontinue, Feb. 15, 1919, War Risk Section of Dis- 

bursing Division, Bureau of Supplies and Accounts, formerly 
tho Navy Allotment Office. 

Interior Dept. Bureau of Education issues circular stating that a limited 

number of free scholarships are available to returned soldiers 
or sailors at Gallaudet College, Georgetown University and 
Maryland State College, three of the higher educational insti- 
tutions in or near Washington. 

Labor Dept. Nat'l War Labor Board issues statement Feb. 4: "The Bethlehem 

Steel Co. , which recently refused to recognize the authority 
of Nat'l War Labor Board, has reconsidered and pledged 'loyal 
cooperation in carrying through the two important measures with 
which the finding of the Board dealt.'" 

Shipping Board 1. A. E. Clogg, in charge N. Y, branch of Div. of Operation, an- 
nounces that cut in ocean rates was made in harmony with 
British reduction and that British lines and Shipping Board 
worked, together in i.aking reduction. 

2. Dir. Gen. Piez of Emergency Fleet Corp, states that the Fleet 
Corp is at present engaged in a thorough survey of its entire 
construction program for purpose of determining whether tne 
vessels now under construction v/ill be desirable elements of 
future American Merchant Marine. Executives of Fleet Corp. 
are being aided in this review by coiimittee of prominent 
shippers especially appointed by board of directors. 

3. Board states in official announcement that indications are 
that there v/ill be sufficient shipping space for exports to 
countries on the East coast of So. America, enough ships hav- 
ing been allotted recently to that trade to assure a contin- 
uous flow of exports and imports. 

War Trade Board According to advices received from Paris by 'War Trade Board, 

French Ministry of Food has agreed to remove present govern- 
mental restrictions on importation of condensed milk and fats. 



No. 46 



-3- 



February 5, 1919. 



R. R. Admn. 



Dir. Gen. Hines Feb. 4 explained to Senate Intorstate Commerc: 
Committee that he believed a reorganization of railroads into 
a few regional corporations, operating privately under close 
government supervision, Lught be worked out. This he advoca- 
ted as ultimate solution of railroad problem, and to iievelop 
necessary legislation he thought a five year continuation of 
control should be authorized. 



Church Reconstruc- 
tion" 



Demobilization 



Labor 



Lutheran Churches discuss plan to assist in fund of $500,000 to 
be raised for reconstruction purposes. Opening of drive will 
begin on Fab. 16 and continue for 10 days. 

District of Columbia soldiers, sailors and marines who have 
been partly or totally disabled will be assisted in obtaining a 
vocational t raining which 3 will fit them to earn a living. Dur- 
ing this training, which/to be given free by government, they 
will receive not less than $65 per month pay. Federal Board of 
Vocational Training and local draft boards cooperating in plan. 

Representatives of Coppermine and smelter workers Feb. 4 con- 
cluded their conferences with Dept. of Labor officials looking 
to stabilizing of working conditions in industry during read- 
justment period, approximately 30$ of workers in Arizona, Utah 
and Minnesota are aaid to have been laid off because of falling 
off of demand for metal. 



Prohibition 



Conn., through action of its Senate, Feb. 4, is first State to 
decline to ratify Federal Prohibition Amendment. 44 States, 
through their legislatures, have voted for ratification. 



Reconstruction 



Relief 



Science 



Two main topics at semi-official meetings in Washington Feb. 4 
included: (a) ".America's Part in Reconstruction", by Sen. 
Duncan U. Fletcher, before Florida State Society; and (b) "Some 
Problems of Reconstruction", by E. P. Costigan of U. S, Tariff 
Comm. , at Commercial Club Dinner. 

Press dispatch from Paris Feb. 4 states that Herbert Hoover, 
Pir. Gen. of European Relief, declares that passage by Ameri- 
can Congress appropriating $100,000,000 for relief in Europe 
"Will lift a load of fear from the hearts of millions of people 
in Europe . " 

Charles H. Herty, former President of -American Chemical Society, 
in lecture before N. Y. Academy of Sciences, Feb. 4, announced 
plans for founding, at a cost of $10,000,000 a national in- 
stitute for drug research. 



;•'•'/•' .• 



No. 46 



-4- 



February 5, 1919 



Shipping 



Trade 



Conventions 



So. Atlantic Maritime Corp. plans steamship service between 
Central and So. American ports and Savannah, Wilmington, 
Charleston, Brunswick and Jacksonville. 

As a result of conference in New Orleans Feb. 4, governors of 
cotton -growing states will be urged to set in motion a cam- 
paign for reduction of 1919 cotton acreage which will reach 
every individual grower. 

Delegates from 5 States in Washington for annual National 
Rivers and Harbors Congress beginning Feb. 5 formed Feb. 4 a 
preliminary organization to support the plan for a Lakes-to-the- 
Sea ocean carrier waterway. The airplane as a commercial 
necessity in future world trade to be one of the subjects dis- 
cussed. Sessions will continae until Feb. 7 4 



FOREI G N 
Labor 



Politics 



1. Cable dispatch from London Feb. 4. says: "The Cabinet and 
varidus governmeiat departments concerned in labor troubles 
have be m active in seeking a solution of difficulties. One 
important result is recognition by government of railway 
clerks' organization. 

2. Press dispatch from London Feb. 4 states that Executive Coun- 
cil of Amalgamated Society of Engineers Feb. 3 considered sit- 
uation created by various unofficial strikes arising out of 
demand for 47 hour week. Council issued statement disapprov- 
ing of all unofficial strikes and urging its members to resume 
work immediately and thus enable responsible trades unions 
executives immediately to enter into negotiations with employ- 
ers' federation with view to obtaining redress of grievances. 

3. Press advice to State Dept. announces that Mayor of Vienna has 
informed City Council that there are over 100,000 people now 
unemployed in Vienna, 

New British Parliament elected last December held its first 
session Feb. 3. 



!..:j:>k 



. , . 



. ■■■ . 






,L;j i; 



• i . i 

■ .. -.' 



.-. i- 




COUNCIL OF NATIONAL DEFENSE 
Re const ruction Research Division February 6, 1919. 

DAILY DIGEST OF RECONSTRUCTION MEWS 

No. 47 



International 1, Cable dispatch from Paris Feb. 5 states that the allied Peace 

delegates on Feb. 5 heard M. Kramarz and M. Benes on claims 
of Czecho- Slovak republic. A commission of 2 members to be 
selected each for France, Great Britain and U. S. , will be 
appointed to untangle technical aspects of question-. 

3. Cable dispatch from Paris Feb. 5 says: "The 2nd paragraph of 
the League of Nations 3 communique today, I learn on highest 
authority, moans that the snail nationalities have won at 
least a temporary and perhaps a permanent victory in their 
fifrht for a greater committee representation." 

3. Cable dispatch Feb. 5 from Basel, Switzerland, says: "An armis- 
tice between the Polish and Czecho-Slovak forces, which have 
been fighting on Siler-ian front, was signed on Feb. 3, accord* 
in." to advices feceived here. 

4. British Foreign Sec. Balfour stated to press representatives 
at Paris Feb. 5 that the constitution of the Leacue of Nations 
will involve no modification of the treaties of alliance pre- 
viously concluded. 

Executive In speech at opening of Atlantic Congress of a League of Na- 

tions Feb. 5 former President Taft said: "You cannot find any 
line in the Constitution which forbids the President going to 
the place where his highest constitutional duty is v\4ien occa- 
sion calls for it." 

U.S. Congress 1. Republican members of House in conference Feb. 5 took first 

step toward organization for next Congress. They agreed to 
call Rep. members -elect info conference "for organization 
purposes" Fab. 27. 

2. A bill designed to continue National Guard organizations after 
discharge from --rmy was introduced by Senator Reed of Mo. and 
referred to Military affairs Committee. 

3. Program of Congressional Memorial Service for Theodore Roose- 
velt on Sunday in House Chamber was announced Feb. 5 by Sen. 
"adsworth and Rep. Kitchin. Services will be held at 3 o'clock 
with Sen. Lodge of Mass. as Speaker. 

State Dept. Inter-Departmental Committee on Communications, the scope of 

whose work includes question of increased efficiency in oper^- 
tionof submarine cables in general, with special reference to 
Pacific cables, has submitted a preliminary report to acting 



No. 47 -2- February 0, 1919. 



War Dept. lc Department announces that Brest, France, has been added to 

mail ports, A.E.P*, which will greatly facilitate western 
bound mail service. Fast transports have been added also to 
service. 

2. In report of Selective Service system, Maj. Gen, Crowder. Feb. 
5. made specific recommendation that draft machinery be used to 
take decennial census. 

3. Office of Sur„ Gen. announces that hospita3, reports from Expedc 
Forces show there were 95,962 sick and wounded among .American 
soldiers on Jan. 16. This was a net decrease of 97,468 from 
Dec. 19, when 144.348 were on hospital rolls. 

4. Gan. March instructs commandants of all army camps and posts to 
prevent sale or delivery of uniforms by civilian tailors to 
officers and men of Army about to be discharged. 

5. Sec-, Baker praises' war work of college women in letter to Mrs. 
Alfred Meyer, N. Y, . under date of Jan. 28. Letter published 
in Official Bulletin, Feb. 4. 

6. Maj. C. J. West, of Chemical Warfare Service, in lecture at 
Cosmos Club, before Washington Society of Engineers, declared 
that allied countries must perfect gas warfare. Maj, '"est also 
said that only protection against gas is a perfect mask and 
predicted that gas mask would probably be used extensively in 
industry after war. 

Navy Dept. Rear Ad. Victor Blue, Chief, Bureau of Navigation, wrote Chrm. 

Padgett, of House Naval Committse, Feb. 5, that Navy Dept. had 
directed to date release of 4C# of rjsr^rves, 40$ of men who 
enlisted for war only, and 20$ of men who since beginning of 
war have enlisted for regular 4 yr . period. Also said that 
orders had bem given during last few days to discharge 20,000 
men of leserve and those enlisted for war performing shore 
dutiea- 

Labor Dept. Sec. Wilson made statement endorsing new Service Flag indicat- 
ing reemployment of soldiers. "I am heartily in favor of a 
service flag which will show the patriotism of the employer by 
indicating the number of soldiers and sailors put back into 
positions they left for military service," said Sec. Wilson. 
"Such a flag should have a pl-ce of honor in every s&ore, shop 
and factory side by side with original war service flag." 

War Trade Board 1. Board announces that hereafter no shipment of quinine and its 

salts and cinchona bark and its products may be exported from 
U. S. to any destination except under individual export li- 
cense. 

2, Board announces that a simplified procedure has been adopted 
for consideration of application for licenses to export com- 
modities to Iceland and the Faroe Islands. 

3. Board announces that commerce with those ports of Mesopotamia 
under allied militarv control has bem resumed and ccmaunica- 
tion opened. 



!:'. . -.' 



„ .:'!. :V 



NO. 47 



-3- 



Fabruary 6, 1919, 



War Trade Board 



4. Simultaneous announcements of War Trade Board and Shipping 
Board made Feb. 5 state that as result of negotiations con- 
ducted at Paris, Norway, Sweden, Holland and Denmark are to 
be permitted to import increased quantities of essential com- 
modities from victorious associated nations, and a large part 
of the 910,079 tons of Danish, Swedish and Norwegian shipping 
now under charter to Shipping Board is to be returned. 



5. Board announces that a general enemy-trade license has been 
issued permitting all persons in U. S., subject to rules and 
regulations of War Trade Board, to trade and communicate with 
persons residing within territory included in the line set oui- 
in article 3 of the Military Clause of the Armistice Protocol 
of Nov. 3, 1918. 

6» Board announces that bran, beans, various forms of flour, 
grains, meal and sugar have been removed from conservation 
listi Also announces that exports of these commodities to the 
alii as will no longer be made exclusively by Food Adcm. Grain 
Corp. and Wheat Export Co. 

7. Board announces that all persons in U. 5. are authorized, sub- 
ject to rules and regulations of Board, to trade and communi- 
cate with persons residing in Sarbia and Rumania. 



Shipping Board 



1. 7 ships, some of which will circle the globe, have be-n trans- 
ferred from War Service to commercial trade routes. 



2. Board notified its Merchant Marino school this week that Amer- 
ican Merchant sailors must pass swimming tests hefore obtain- 
in^ their decrees. 



Food ^dmn. 



Fuel J-i-dmn. 



Aviation 



Labor 



Julius Barnes, head of Food Admn. 's Grain Corp., asked ConTrasi 
Feb. 5 through House Agriculture Committee to i elegate broad 
powers to Pres, Wilson as a means of making effective the Gov- 
ernment's guaranteed price for 1919 wheat crop. 

Admn. made public Feb. 5 messages Showing "how deliveries of 
American gasoline in quantities on Western front alona pro- 
vented alterations in the plan of campaign which f oread the 
Qentral powdrs to an armistice. 

The 4 planes wnich recently completed first trans-continental 
flight from Pacific Coast to Washington started from Boiling 
Field Feb. 5 on return trip to San Diego, Calif. 

1. Frank Morrison, Sec. of A. F. of L. , stated Feb. 5 that 500,0<"> 
men in U. S. were now without employment, in urging House Rul ■ 
Committee to give right of way for passage of legislation pre 
hibiting immigration for 4 years. 






- 1. .. 



r. ' v . 



j 



No. 47 - 4 - Feb, 6, 1919 



Labor 2. labor leaders in Seattle stated Feb. 5 that Seattle's general 

strike, called for Feb, 6, but pending final approval by 
Central Labor Council, can be averted only by concrete settle- 
ment of shipyard workers' demands by Chas. Piez, head of Emer- 
gency Fleet Corp, 

3. According to announcement made in New York Feb. 5 by W, J. 
Bowen, president of International Union of Bricklayers, Masons 
and Plasterers; virtually all building operations in N. Y. 
were tied up Feb. 5 by a lock-out declared by members of 
Building Trades Employers ' Ass'n. , with .25,000 workers affect- 
ed, tar Bowen said his purpose in coming to N. Y. was to 
prevent lock-ovit becoming nation-wide. 

4. Press dispatcn Feb. 5 from Lawrence, Mass., states that ad- 
ditional mills in that city are shut down in connection with 
strike of textile workers for a 48-hour week with 54-hours' 
pay. State Board of Conciliation and Arbitration offerred 
its services to strike'-s Feb. 5 and tha general committee of 
workers agreed to select a committee to confere with Board. 

Military Press dispatcn from Paris F©b. 5 states that Marshall Foch 

estimates that 400.000 American troops are required to keep 
tne "watch on the Rhine" until Peace is signed. 

Pronibition N. Y, Tribune Feb. 5 says: "An international aspect of pro- 

hibition has been developed by representations of British 
government through diplomatic channels to State Dei't. Great 
Britain has poHtely called attention of government of U. S. 
to advisability of naving the money in hand with which to 
compensate British investors for losses occasioned to them 
by destruction of brewing and distilling business through 
prohibition. " 

Trade Relations Pres. Carranza, of Mexico, Feb. 5 abolished cotton export tax 

of $30 a bale and also special export license provision, re- 
cently established. Old tax of $7 a bale is reestablished. 

FOREIGN 

Medicine Cable dispatcn from London, Feb. 5, states that the virus of 

trench fever and that of influenza and of so.rs forms of 
nephritis have been isolated and identified according to a 
report submitted to Director General of Army radical Service 
in France by a number of medical officers. 

Railroads American Commissioner Heck states that a report from Pera 

advises that control of all railroads has been assumed by 
British and French formerly under Asiatic and European Turkish 
authority. 



..VI :;-i :::•;. ..:..X "a-j.-.s. 



■y;u.:o r : -:v,.. I 






» :. 







COUNCIL OF NATIONAL DEFENSE 
Reconstruction Research Division 




February 7, 1919. 



DAILY DIGEST OF RECONSTRUCTION NEWS 



No. 48 



International 1 . 



2. 



A cable dispatch Feb. 6 says: "On best Authority it is learned 
that France is leading a movement within the conference to make 
U. S. trustee of Constantinople and the Dardanelles," 

Cable dispatch Feb. 6. says: "The Supreme Council on receiving 
acceptance of Russian Bolshevik government of invitation to 
attend conference on Princes Islands, immediately made arrange- 
ments to send joint committee of 2 representatives from each 
of 5 great powers to meet representatives of Soviet Government." 



U. S, Congress 



Treasury Dept. 1. 



War Dept. 



3. 



4. 



1. 



The $6,000,000,000 Revenue Bill, the greatest tax measure in 
history of the world, was formally presented in House Feb. 6 
and will be called up today. 

Sec. Glass has asked Congress to make a deficiency appropriation 
of $9,220,000 for Bureau of War Risk Insurance, of which 
$5,000,000 would be used for military and naval compensation 
and remainder for salaries, etc. 

Sec. Glass called further attention Feb. 6 to swindling in con- 
nection with W. S. S. and Liberty Bonds. He asks cooperation 
of banks and public in protecting credulous holders of such 
securities against tricksters with various schemes for obtain- 
ing government securities. 

Big payments to allies under credits previous established as 
reported Feb. 6 by Treasury raised total of advances to Allies 
in Jan. to $290,250,000 and aggregate government expenses for 
the month to $1,962,350,000. 

Press of Feb. 6 states that coinage executed at U. S. mint in 
Philadelphia in course of fiscal year ending June 30, last, was 
largest of any mint in U. S. and probably largest annual out- 
put of any mint in world at any time in history. 

Sec. Baker stated Feb. 6 before Senate committee that he had 
given orders that all employees of War Dept. receiving compen- 
sation from private concerns immediately drop one or other. 

Plans for building up most extensive medical center in U. 3. 
around Walter Reed Hospital were unfolded to Congress Feb. 6, 
when a request from Sec. Baker for $350,000 to purchase addi- 
tional land for purpose was sent to House Appropriations Com- 
mittee. 



•1 /;•» ' ' 



; u 



f v < • 



,1 



: .:i- ,v 



•»:.■ "A 



U.-.'V 



■<;m 



No. 48 



February 7, 1919. 



Commerce Dept. 



Labor Dept. 



Sec. Redfield urged improvement of port facilities -.s a means 
of increasing nation's foreign commerce, at Nat'l Rivers and 
Harbors Congress. Feb. 6. 

1. Asst. Sec. Post and John B, Densmore, Dir. Gen. of Federal Em- 
ployment Service, appeared b ;fore House Appropriations Commit- 
tee Feb. 6 to urge an impropriation of $14,000,QOj for ,vork of 
Employment Service during next fiscal year and a deficiency 
appropriation of $3,500,000 for this year. 

2. Fears of long continued unemployment were discounted Feb. 6 in 
statement by Training Service of Dept., which predicted that 
when agricultural and industrial concerns get under way in 
spring there will be shortage of several million men. 

War Industries Board Announcement made Feb. 6 that Price-Fixing Committee of W, I.B. 

will cease to exist on March 1. 



War Trade Board 



R. R. Admn. 



FederaJ. Reserve 
Board 



U. S. Army 



Agriculture 



Labor 



1. 



Board announced Feb. 6 that iron and steel, except high-speed 
steel, have been added to list of commodities for which licen- 
ses for export to Switzerland will be granted. Stated Feb. 6 
that Switzerland has obtained cargo space for immediate export- 
ation of 20,000 bales of cotton. 

1. Dir. Ben. Hines explained to Senate Interstate Comr-erce Comnit- 
tee Feb. 6 that in regrouping railroads according to proposed 
permanent regional organization under private management he 
would include one or two big systems as backbone for each group. 

2. Dir. Gen. Hines Feb. 6 urged Congress to appropriate $750,000,000 
for Admn. *s revolving fund in addition to $500,000,000 origin- 
ally authorized. 

Definite evidences of commencement of financial recuperation 
following abnormal war conditions are set forth in review of 
Feb. issue of Reserve Bulletin. 

Dispatch from Paris Feb, 6 states that 50,000 soldiers of A.E.F. 
have enrolled students in Army Post schools to be conducted 
under direction of Army Educational Commission. Course^ in 
high branches have been arranged in 14 French Universities and 
7 Universities in Scotland and England. In addition A.';:. F. will 
have a college of its own. 

House Agriculture Committee Feb. 6 approved legislation setting 
forth that while the farmer would be paid the $2.26 government 
guarantee for 1919 wheat frop, viheat would be sold to consumer 
at a price to be dictated by law of supply and demand. 

Seattle and Tacona, Washington, report 70,000 men on strike to- 
day in 2 cities, comprising 45,000 union men, in sympathy with 
25,000 ship yard workers. 



. .;.:>•> 



; it.. 



■;.•; j. > 






..w».: ' 



-.nif'i-'.'' 



;■! 



v - °» 






-..-u'- 



J .< .-...'••> 



t - * 



'•."..' 5. . .*' 



No. 4# -3- February 7, 1919. 



Labor 2. President of International Ladies' Garment Workers Union an- 
nounced Feb. 7 that 15,000 womens' garment workers now out 
on strike in New York will begin picketing non-union shops 
Feb. 10 in an attempt to recruit additional members in their 
fight to enforce a 44-hour weak and other demands. 

3. A "no beer, no work" slogan was announced Feb. 6 V" represen- 
tatives of 30,000 building trades workers in Newark, N. J., who 
condemned nation-wide prohibition. 

League of Nations Resolutions declaring that the American people 'were ready and 

willing to take up their "proportionate burden" in company 
with other great nations to maintain a society of nations wer3 
adopted at final session in New York Feb. 6 of Atlantic Con- 
gress of League to Enforce Peace. 

Railroads 1. A dispatch to N. Y. Times says in part : "2,000, 000 railway em- 
ployees, representing, they say, with their families, 8,000,000 
persons, are in favor of a plan 'nhich will be presented to Con- 
gress Feb . 9 recommending government ownership of the roads, 
and their operation by a corporation formed from the employees 
and run upon a co-operative basiSi" 

2. Paul M. Warburg, former Governor of Federal Reserve Board, in 
address before N. Y. Chamber of Commerce Feb, 6, advocates re- 
turn of railroads to private control with government regula- 
tion assuring competition in service but not in rates, and 
guaranteeing fair returns to railway investments with a divi- 
sion of excessive incomes between stockholders, labor and the 
government. 

Waterways Eradication of the evils of competitive warf .ire between water 

and rail transportation, development of the nation's inland 
waterways and harbors, and their fullutilization for promo- 
tion of national prosperity, were urged Feb. 5 and 6 at 
sessions of National Rivers and Harbors Congress. Optimism 
concerning economic readjustments also was sounded by most of 
the speakers. 

F R E I G N 

Aviation A company has been formed in Australia to develop aerial route 
for mail and passenger service between Australia and London. 
Contemplated to complete journey between London and Sydney in 
150 hours. 

Finance In article London Daily Telegraph, Feb. 4, direct cost of war 
is estimated at 40,000,000,000 pounds. Author estimates the 
indirect cost of diminished tradd and financial disturbance 
at 50,000,000,000 pounds. 

Labor Cable dispatches from London Feb. 6 indicate settlement of 

British railway strikes, ending general tie-up of big systems. 



■ i 






J. -. 



. • - t '*■ 



, i 



..';■'. . :. :. it 



COUNCIL OF NATIONAL DEFENSE 
reconstruction -Research Division 



No. 49 




DAILY DIGEST 1 



(fa. 



Eebruary 8, 1S1 1 . 



RECONSTRUCTION NEWS 



Executive 



U. S. Congrass 



Treasury Dopt. 



War Dept. 1. 



2. 



As a result of confarance of producers, labor representatives 
and Government officials, Sec. Radfield announcad Fob. "B that 
Pras. Wilson had bean askad to name a coiaudttee of industrial 
leaders and governniant representatives which will have power to 
investigate and suggest a scale of prices for basic commodities 
at which the Government will buy during post-war period. 

G. E. Plumb, spokesman for organized railway labor, Feb. 7 state 
before Senate Interstate Commerce Committer that railroads 
should be kept undar Government control until Congress has de- 
veloped a permanent plan for their management. 

Sec. Glass recommended legislation to House Judiciary Committee 
Feb. 7 providing that buildings used for selling liquor in 
violation of war-time prohibition act may ba treated as public 
nuisances and that courts may forbid use of property for any 
purpose for a year. 

Sec. Baker announced Feb. 7 creation of a War Dept. Claims 
Board to supervise and coordinate the work of the various De- 
partment agencies in settlement of claims resulting from ter- 
mination of contracts by reason of armistice and to authorize 
and approve such settlements. 

Gen. March issued orders Feb. 5 regarding wearing of uniforms 
by soldiers after discharge. 



3. Press statement by Sec. Baker Fab. 6 says: "The legislation on 
the subject of Cape Cod Canal acquired the Sac. of War, Sac. of 
the Navy, and Sec. of Commerce to pass upon the question as to 
whether it was desirable to acquire Cape Cod Canal by Federal 
Government. We three met and discussed question and came to 
conclusion that it was desirable." 



4. 



5. 



Dept. states that a board of officers to pass upon qualifi ca- 
tions and merits of flying officers wno have distinguished 



thams elves inaction has been appointed by Maj. 
Dir. of Military Aeronautics. 



Gen. W» I. Kenly, 



Office of Sur. Gen. outlines plans regarding separata hospitals 
for "Shell Shock" patients in Official Bulletin of Feb. 7. 

Ana;/ official stated before Ass'n. of Military Colleges and 
Schools Feb. 7 that it costs $2,000 to fit a man for a 2nd 
Lieutenancy. Adj. Gen. Harris said that future of America rests 
in large measure on these military schools. 



:&>. 49 



■3- 



February 8, 1919. 



Interior Dgptt 



1. Project to supply work and homes for dscharged soldiers on 
farms as advocated by Sec. Lane outlined in Official Bulletin 
Feb. 6. 



Agriculture Dept. 



2. Report of U. I. Geol. Survey records considerable decrease in 
production of bituminous coal during week ended Jan. 35, the 
output declining to low level of 9,159,000 net tons. 

Chas. J. Brand, Chief, Bureau of Markets, in address before 
State Commissioners of Agriculture, expressed hope tnat legis- 
lators and people generally have seen sufficient benefit dur- 
ing war from constructive regulation and service work by Nation- 
al Government under emergency appropriations and emergency war 
powers to insure that a greater measure of State support will 
be given to such activities in peace times. 

Bureau of Foreign and Domestic Commerce reports that it is in 
receipt of several trade lists from representatives in Far East 
which may be obtained from Bureau, or through- its District or 
Cooperative offices. List published in Official Bulletin Feb. 5: 

1. Sec. Wilson outlines Reconstruction Activities of Dept. of 
Labor in Official Bulletin Feb. 6, 

3. Bureau of Naturalization has received reports of surveys in. a 
number of large cities to determine to what extent native and 
foreign bom citizens are exercising rights of citizenship. 

War Trade Board 1. Beard announces revised conservation list of many commodities 

as of Feb. 5, 1919. 

2. Board announces that arrangements are now being made -vhereby it 
is hoped shipments to Finland may be resumed very shortly. 

3. Board announces that all previous existing regulations respect- 
ing the licensing of all kinds of dunnage have bejn canceled 
and a new procedure has been adopted. 



Commerce Dept. 



Labor Dept. 



Shipping Board 



Fuel Admn, 



Board announces that due to changed conditions rssulting from 
. cessation of hostilities, Governments of Norway, Sweden and 
Denmark have be^n advised by Board of it^ readiness to assign 
to those Governments, or if Governments or their ship-owners 
so desire, to cancel the unexpired portions of charters <vhich 
have been concluded under agreements. 

Admn. announced at meeting of representatives of those interest 
ed in natural gas situation in State of Arkansas that it would 
be glad to cooperate in an endeavor to ascertain exact facts 
concerning the situation in that state, 






. 



• 



."•..''■ I 



. . . * 



• . / ; • r i 



No. <±9 



-3- 



February 8, 1919. 



American Red Cross Red Cross announced Feb. 7 appropriation of $1,616,660 for re- 
lief work in Belgium for 2 months ending March 1. 



iiien Property 
Custodian 



Finance 



Labor 



Prohibition 



Trade Relations 



Waterways 



A. M. Palmer, Alien Property Custodian, has announced that his 
Department hereafter will not require reports of property ownec 
by persons residing in Alsace-Lorraine unless such persons falJ 
within the enemy class. 

Cable dispatch from Paris Feb, 5 states that Alvin W, Krech, 
Pres. of Equitable Trust Co. of New York, who is studying finar- 
cial conditions abroad, suggests international moratorium to 
afford time for reconstruction, saying no Government can con- 
veniently pay its obligations now. 

If Representatives of Ass'n of Commerce of Chicago, Feb. 7, urged 
before Senate Education and Labor Committee immediate enactment 
of legislation to meet the employment situation. Endorsed the 
principles of Kenyon Bill authorizing the establishment of a 
Federal Public Works Commission designed to work in conjunction 
with State Commissions in providing employment during readjust- 
ment period. 

2. Cable dispatch from Paris Feb. 7 states that women will be ad- 
mitted as delegates to permanent International Labor Conference 
which is $n process of formation there. This was decided upon 
at meeting of International Labor Legislation Committer held 
this morning under Presidency of Samuel Gompers. 

Press dispatch Feb. 7 states that the Esses County^ N. J, ,Tradee 
Council, with approximate membership of 45,000 workers in var- 
ious lines, met at its headquarters in Newark and unanimously 
adopted a resolution "to resist to the utmost prohibition en- 
forcement even to extent of a general strike," 

Amer. Chamber of Comuierce in London is arranging conferences be- 
tween American importers and British manufacturers of similar 
articles in hope of reaching agreements that will influence im- 
port restrictions British Government will reimpose March 1. 

Federal supervision of water -transportation, enlarged jurid- 
diction of Interstate Commerce Commission over water and rail 
rates, and improvement of all navigable streams upon which 
commerce could be established, were recommended to Congress in 
declaration of principles adopted by Kat'l Rivers and Harbors 
Congress at close of Fourteenth Annual Meeting, Feb. 7. 



FOREIGN 
Finance 



Eress dispatch from London Feb, 5 states that it is understood 
arrangements practically have been completed by which a group 
of principal British banks will grant an acceptance of credit 
to a group of Belgian banks for purpose of essential commodi- 
ties. The amount of credit is approximately $20,000,000, 






'.: -70.1 ;,;!!■' . 



CL 



...i\u 



.-,? 



' ;s<JX*A 









.iv. : 



* » ■ « 



-. • tfl.y.- ft* '.•?:•- , 
'■■■ n< jis'ts. • t' ..■ .::■■ 



•.. ■ W.li 



. ... *. 



©v. 



iVl 



..' ^ 






.j*:s ;:-;. 



No - 49 -4- February 8, 1919. 



Demobilization 1. Fitting back of veterans into civil lif* in Canada is entrusted 

to Government Agency known as Pept. of Soldiers' Civil Re-§s- 
tablishment, with a representative in Cabinet. To this depart 
ment are attached Invalid Soldiers' Commission and Pension 
Board. (From article in Review of Reviews for Feb.) 

2. Commercial Attache at The Hague reports that everything possible 
is being done in Holland to forestall idleness amont; soldiers 
of Dutch army now being demobilized. Details of Governmental 
provisions outlined in Official Bulletin of Feb. 7. 

kibor 1. Cable dispatch from London Feb. 7 states that the Electrical 

Trades Union has ordered an immediate resumption of work by 
its members, pending action by the national body on the ^uestio' 
of the change in attitude of the government with regard to 
strike. 

3, Dispatch from London Times states th^t Yarrow & Co., well known 
ship-builders and engineers, announce that they intend gradual -r 
ly to diminish output on Clyde and develop their works in 
British Columbia. Director Yarrow's concern is quoted as say- 
ing that company's decision was influenced by fact th-t indus- 
trial prospects ar^ better in America than in United Kingdom, 
and better economic rasults are excected. 



;? 



'.' Ji 



COUNCIL OF NATIONAL DEFENSE 
Reconstruction Research 'division 



No, 50. 




February 10.m9 



DAILY DIGEST i?S0RTTCONSTRUCTION NFA7S 






International 



U. S. Congress 1. 



Tr-3.-v.jury Dept. 



War Dent. 



Navy Dept. 



1. 



3. 



Interior Dept. 



Unitid States, Great Britain, Francs and Italy have agreed 
upon '. : 2, 000,000,000 indemnity due to Belgium, according 
to Paris dispatch in ' all St. Journal Feb. 8. 

Failing to agree on recommendations relative to a Federal re- 
construction policy, Senate Judiciary Sub -Committee named to 
consider reconstruction measures decided Feb. 8 to z efsr whole 
matter to full comr-dttee ihich will meet Feb. 10. 

The $1,000,000,000 bill designed to make it possible for Govt, 
to make good its guarantee to farmers for 1918 and 1919 wheat 
crops introduced in House Feb. 8 by Rep. Lever, Chrm. of Com*- 
mitt3e an Agriculture, Pill confers powers for purchase and 
sale of wheat and flour, for control of trading in ■vheat, li- 
censing of millers, elevators and dealers, and also extends 
government control to exports and imports up to Dec. 30, 1930. 

Sec. Glass asks Congress for approximately $2,000,000 for pur- 
chase of site and erection of first section of a National 
Archives Building in Washington! Asks that this be included 
in Sundry Civil Appropriation Bill for fiscal year i92u . 

Sec. Taker informed Senate that more than 37U, 000 court-mar- 
tial trials of American soldiers were held during v^r. Mr» 
Baker said that 32,000 cases were heard by general courts-mar- 
tial and remainder by special or summary courts, the offenses 
being of minor character! 

Maj. Gen. Goethals, -Chief, Purchase Storage and Traffic Divi- 
sion, asks Congress Feb. 8 for appropriation of $60,000,000 
to be used in storing the enormous quantities of war supplies. 

Press statement Feb. 8 to effect that Wavy aviation experts 
are planning a flight across the Atlantic. Commander John H. 
Towers ordered to take charge of "development of plans and 
assembly of material and personnel for the proposed trans* 
Atlantic flight." 

Sec. Lane has asked Congress for $13,800, 00 J to complete ;joh 
of rushing work on Alaskan Railroad. 



Commercial Dept. 



Labor Dept. 



Commercial Attache P. C. "illiams reports to Foreign and Domes- 
tic Bureau that there will be no rush of orders for American 
goods to assist in rer.^bilitation of Sr -r.ce, but rather that 
orders will come relatively slov as general scheme of rehabili- 
tation evolves. 

John Golden, Pras. of United Textile Workers, informed Dept. 
of Libor officials Feb. 8 that the strike of textile workers 
in Lawrence, Mass. , virtually ,vas adjusted and that a full 
agreement was expected to be reached by Feb. 10. 



N , 30 



F 3 b. 10, 1919. 



Civil 3rvica 
Commission 



H. f . f/irrgdn, of Chief r .'xamincr's office of Commission, stated 
Feb. 9 i...t in his estimation 55,000 people out of the 9U,000 
now employed as government clerks would be retained permanently 



Bar Trade Bo„rl 



Aviation 



Ban)- ing 



Commerce 



Conventions 



Finance 



2. 



Health 



Labor 



1. 



1 r ar Tr A3 Board has issued a new export conservation list of 
Commodities for ivhich individual export licenses are required. 
Butter, cheese, eggs, and egg products and milk, which have 
appeared on previous lists, have been eliminated from the now 
list which is effective .< eb. 10. 

Press dispatch from Paris states that international regulations 
to prevont air smuggling by airplane is one of tne knotty prob- 
lems to which the American, British, French and Italian air 
service committees are devoting their attention preparatory to 
the adoption of a practicable working agreement. 

Birst tfat'l Bank of Boston is sending two if its senior offi- 
cers to Australia and the Far Fast to establish further banking 
conn jctions. 

Steamers and barges have be?n chartered on Pacific Coast to 
carry 5>, 000, 000 feat of lumber to Panaua Canal Zone, iiftiere it 
will be used in the construction of new buildings. 

A conference for purpose of putting into shape bankers' plans 
for 1919 in matter of tlealin? with agricultural problems set for 
Feb* 26 and 37 in Washington. 

Press dispatch from Few York states that arrangements hav3 been 
concluded for a loan of $50,000,000 to Belgium by an American 
syndicate including J. P. Morgan & Co. Leading banks in Bel- 
gium will draw bills vhich will be accepted by financial inter- 
ests participating in loan, and proceeds will be used to par- 
chase american cotton, leather and other raw materials neces- 
sary for reconstructing Belgium. 

Colorado Senate Feb. 8 adopted, with ono dissenting vote, a 
resolution memorali zing the Peace Conference to adopt an inter- 
national bimetalism standard of finance. 

Health Campaign to ba launched this month among school chil- 
dren for inculcation of ideas of personal hygiene as preven- 
tive of sickness and for general improvement of physical con- 
ditions, under auspices of Junion Bed Cross and Ass'n. for 
Prevention of Tuberculosis. 

Collapse of the general sympathetic strike movement at Tacoma, 
,!, ash. has renewed hope of conservative labor leaders at Seattle 
that the general strike there will be terminated Feb. 10. 



i : o . 50 



-3- 



Feb. 10. 1919. 



Labor 



Shipping 



2. Press dispatch from New York s tates that six of the largest 

women's organizations in New York have formed a conference to 
put through the legislature a proeraia comprising six bills for 
benefit of women in industry i 

According to Lloyd's Register Shipbuilding Returns, 3.189 Bhips 
of 6.921,989 gross tons w-jre under construction throughout the 
world (excluding the Central Powers) on Dec. 31, 1918. This was 
double the largest corresponding tonnage und^r construction by 
the world prior to June, 193.4. 



F R F I G N 
Aviation 



Demobilisation 



Finance 



Food 



Tr..di 



Railroads 



According to press dispatch Feb. 7, Holland and Belgium are to 
be connected by a branch line with the first great air postal 
route from England to India. The British firms which- a re tryitv- 
to handle the whole international air post are already negoti-. 
ating with Dutch firms for carrying mail, 

Press dispatch from London Feb, 8 states that soldiers now being 
released from British Army under demobilization plan are not 
being finally discharged, the process of discharge not being 
completed until after peace is signed. All men released at 
present are being furnished with letter of thanks from Army 
Council. Upon final discharge all officers and men who served 
will be given a certificate of service. 

Italy's national debt is now over $12,500,000,000 compared with 
$2,750,000,000 at beginning of war. It is estimated that when 
pensions, government bills to manufacturers and other expenses 
have been paid, total national debt will be Jil6, 000, 000,000. 

British Board of Trade returns for January show a large increase 
in importation into United Kingdom of foodstuffs as compared 
•with the corresponding war month of 1918. Wheat imports in Jan- 
uary 1918 were 3,164,000 cwts., while last month they were 
8,140,300 cwts. 

Press dispatch Fab. 9 staces that one of most important British 
plans for foreign trade expansion to be launched since signing 
of armistice is formation of Levant Co,, Ltd., a $5,000,000 
corporation organized under the auspices of the government- 
fostered British Trade Corp.. Company proposed to open for 
British commerce the Near Fast and territory adjacent thereto. 

Canadian railroads will ask government for $60,000,000 for addi- 
tional equipment, "orkers will make demand for increased wages 
in cooperation with those of U. S. 



COUNCIL OF NATIONAL DEFENSE 
Reconstruction Research Division Jjj ^ February 11, 1919. 

DAILY DIG^SE OF RKCON5 TRUCTION NEWS 
No. 51 







International Cable dispatch from Paris Feb. 10 says: "The question of coving 

the Peace Conference from Pax-is to a neutral country may be eon 
sidered, if what is ch=tr notarised as obstructive policy of 
French Press and certain French officials continues." 

U. S. Congress 1. By margin of one vote, equal suffrage met its fourth defeat in 

Senate Feb. 10. 

2. The reconstruction problems were considered Feb. 10 by Senate 
Judiciary Committee and it was decided to refer question of pr3- 
cedure to the Senate without any Committee recommendation. Pend- 
ing resolutions were ordered placed on the calendar without 
comment. 

3. Progress upon the legislation looking to creation of American 
Navy equal to any in the world came to dramatic pause Feb. 10, 
when a point of order raised against it by Rep. Mann was sus- 
tained by Rep. Garrett. 

4. Bill for validation and settlement of informal war contracts 
aggregating about $2,750,000,000 was placed in form for final 
action by Congress Feb. 10. Complete agreement by Senate and 
House conferees eliminates the Commission plan of settlement 
but retains Senate amendment to include mineral contracts. 

5. Sep. Caldwell introduced bill Feb. 11 recommending the loan fro. 
War Dept. to trade" and technical schools and colleges through ou' 
country of machine tool equipment suitable for their needs. 



Treasury Deptt 1. 



3. 



Bee. Glass Feb. 10 asked Congress to increase the amount of 
Liberty Bonds authorized but unissued to approximately 
$10,000,000,000, and to give him broad powers to determine in- 
terest rate and other terms of Victory Liberty Loan to be 
floated late in April. 

Treasury announced Feb. 10 that a credit of $5,000,000 had been 
established in favor of Roumania. This brings total credit of 
$10,000,000 for Roumunia and $8,678,157,000 for all Allies. 

Internal Revenue Bureau has perfected a new process of produc- 
ing glycerin from sugar and other sweets. Observation of the 
invention compelled by necessity of Germans in raaking high 
explosives after usual sources had given out led to duplication 
of idea in U. S. 



4. Announced Feb. 10 that more than 125 bushels of silver dollars 
were shipped on that date from Treasury vaults to Philadelphia 
mint to be melted into bullion for export to India. 



War Dept. 



1. Sec. Baker announced Feb. 10 that revision of sentences inrcos 5 
by general courts-martial for offenses committed- daring war is 
to be made by i board of officers constituted in the of 'ice oi 
the Judge Ad.voc.te General of the Arm 1 /. 



• > Vt4 VJ 



:i .-i 



* • t. 



t' . -, * . 



■». .. 



(, ~; 



No. 51 -2- F 3 b. 11, 1919. 



r ''ar Dept. 2. Office of Sur. Gen. issues announcement to effect that the em- 
ployment of additional civilians to teach trades and manual 
arts in reconstruction wards and shops of army hospitals at 
salary of $50 a month, with quarters and subsistence provided, 
or $62,50 per month in lieu of quarters and subsistence, is 
authorized by Surgeon Gen. Ireland. 

Interior Dept. Geological Survey has made public statistics showing that the 

Southeastern States, which include Ala., Ga. , N. C, Tenn. , and 
Va, , mined and shipped about 10$ of the country's total output 
of iron ore in 1918. 

Labor Dept. 1. F. Frankfurther Feb. 10 announced his resignation as Asst. to 

Sec. of Labor and Chrm. of War Labor Policies Begird. Announced 
also that Board will go out of existence within a few weeks. 

2. F. T. Miller, Chrm., Division of Public Works and Construction 
Developmezit , states that consumption of basic materials greater 
than of pro-war days should be begun inariediately both by pri- 
vate builders and government agencies. Consumption of prac- 
tically every basic material is away down, Mr. Miller says. 

3. U. S. Employment Service announced Feb. 10 that reports show 
that requests from employers for female help have decreased 
43$ since signing of armistice, while registrations by women 
for employment have decreased only 12$. 

Federal Reserve Annual report of Federal Reserve 3oard for calendar year 1918, 
3oard as submitted to Congress, has been pr?parad in much greater 

detail than heretofore and give3 complete story of national 
financing during last year of war. Eeside outline of accom- 
plishments it presents outlook for future development. 

R. R. Admn. 1. R. H. ^ishton, Regional Director for Railroads of Northwest, in 

annual report for year ending Dec. 31, 1918, made public Feb. 
10, shows that a total savings of $34,233,282 was effective in 
the operating expenses of lines under his control as a result 
of unifications and economies due to government operation. 

2. Admn. announced Feb. 10 that the removal of over 30 women em-* 
ployed in parcel ronms of Union Station, Washington, was made 
on the strength of a report of women inspectors sent by -~dmn. , 
to investigate working conditions and who reported work as too 
heavy for women. 

Shipping Board To maintain facilities for training merchant seamen, Board has 

decided to turn six of the wooden cargo steamers built during 
war into training ships. More than 38,000 young men have sigr. . 
applications to take courses now being given by the Board. 



J lV< 



. - * 






;•-.'.'. 



• AUi . . i ■ 



o ; . J 
t. r?ru.: 



• t i. 






V , . ,~ I 



'.[' f. j! 851 
:J ';y.iV.*' . 



."• : 



4l : . i... ■. 



x. •■'. <Xi: 



, ' : .i« 



j., 



.: ~i-.;«- I. .-i.vji 



w _> ..;«< j : J .•;.-.'." 



No. 51 



-3- 



Feb. 11, 1919. 



American Red Cross Miss Mabel Boardman, of American Red Cross, will speak on the 

"International Responsibilities During the New Era" at Seorge 
Washington University Dinner, Feb. 22. 



Aliens Dispatch from Chicago Feb. 10 states that a "clean-up to rid 

the country of aliens with criminal records or who are regarded 
as a menace to the nation" is under way by Federal officials. 

Aviation Dispatch! from N. Y. Feb. 10 states that Capt. Hugo Sundstedt, 

Swedish aviator, whose plan to fly across the Atlantic has juso 
become known, announced that he and three companions hope to be 
able to start on trans-sea voyage this week. 

Labor 1. Announcement made in New York Feb. 10 by W, J. Hutcheson, Pres- 

of Urited Brotherhood of Carpenters and Joiners of America, 
states that union heads of basic building construction t rades 
Feb. 10 called a general strike which, beginning Feb. 11, will 
efiect ail contracts throughout country held by members of the 
Building Trades Employers' Ass'n. 

2. Press dispatch from Butte, Mont., Feb. 10 states that 12,000 
miners are idle there either as' result of last week's strike 
of Independent Union organizations or through fear or intimida-- 
tion by striking element. 

League of Nations Senator James H. Lewis says in press statement Feb. 11: "The 

method of the settlement of the differences which broke out 
between U. S. and England over the embargo of American trade 
has at once proved the uses of the proposed League of Nations. ,; 

Railroads Some direct governmental agency working not for profit but to 

furnish transportation at cost was advocated before Congress 
Feb. 10 by four Railroad Brotherhoods as their solution of the 
railroad problem. 

Relief Madame Catherine Breshkovakaya, "Grandmother of the Russian 

Revolution, " made appeal to America to e.id Russian in her 
"deepest and most immediate need", in address in N. Y. Feb. 10 
advocating the convocation of an ''all-Russian constituent 
as£3r-bly. " 

Trade Relations. 1. British Import Restriction Control Board has modified proposed 

embargo on American products uhich will be imposed on March 1, 
to allow importation of American boots and shoes to extent of 
25$ of number imported in 1913. 

2. Press announcement made Feb. 11 that commercial messages may L» 
accepted for places in Alsace Lorraine at same rates as to 
France. Messages may be accepted also for places in Palestine 
and Mesopotamia and also for Beyrout, Damascus, Baalbec, Homo 
■nleppo, Bagche, and other places in Syria occupied by Allied 
troops. Messages of personal nature may be aceepted for plac 
in Luxembourg. 






*i •' 



:.!■■ 



. i ' :. . 



--.*• » 



"-. - ; } 



1. 



at - . 1. 



i : ' 



•i: . 



.....jv-.v-.. ' 



COUNCIL OF NATIONAL DEFENSE 
Reconstruction .Research Division 




Feb. 13, 1919. 



DAILY DIGEST OF RECONSTRUCTION IW'S 



Nc. 52. 



International 



U. s. Congress 



Cable dispatch from Paris Fob. 11 states that in vi.;<v of the 
complexity and diversity of the problems raised by the armis- 
tice, Supreme " r ar Council has appointed a committee of 8 inemv 
bers to which will be entrusted the tasl: of studying these 
questions. 

1. House voted, 194 to 143, to approve the new thre~-year building 
program of 10 battleships and 10 scout cruisers Jih. 11, and 
immediately afterward adopted the entire N^val Appropriation 
Bill. 

2. Army Appropriation Bill reported to House Feb, 10 by Military 
Affairs Committee reconaends a temporary military es r tablishr..onr, 
of 27,579 officers and 509,909 enlisted men to me it the needs 
for an army during the jjeriod of demobilization. 

3. The Deficiency Appropriation Bill, which repeals 815,000, 00u, 00. 
in war appropriations and authorisations and at same time car- 
ries $295,000,000 to meet deficiency in appropriations for 
present fiscal year was passed by Senate Feb. 10. 

4. Sen. Gore, Chrm. of Senate Agriculture Committee, Feb. 11 de- 
clared in Senate that farmers can rest assured that government 
will keep faith in the guaranty of $2.26 a bushel for iie vt. 

5. Sen, J. H, Lewis introduced resolution Feb. 11 proposin, an in- 
quiry relating to action necessary for protection of iimerican 
lives an' property in Mexico. 



State Dept. 



Treasury Dept. 



1. Con. Gen. Skinner at London advised State Dept. Feb. 11 that 
British exporting firms have been authorized by British Board 
of Trade to s upply goods to the occupied region on left bank 
of Hhine. 

2. .Dept. has received communication from Sec. of Canadian u ar Mis- 

sion with reference to the establishment at Ottawa by Canadian 
government of a Canadian Trade Commission for th3 purees a of 
facilitating trade relations with other countries. 

1. Sec. Glass expresses himself as opposed to Congress placing 
responsibility for enforcement of national prohibition upon 
Bureau of Internal Revenue. In letter to Rep. Carlin, Cnrm. 
of House Judiciary Sub-committee, Feb. 11 he said: "This Bureau 
is now, as you know, burdened to the uttermost vith the adminis- 
tration of a very comprehensive and technical tax lav vhieh wilJ 
engage its every facility to administer adequately and equit- 
ably. The enforcement of war prohibition has no relation what-* 
ever to the collection of therevenue, *****" 



tfo. 52 -2- Feb. 12, 1919. 



Treasury Dept. 2* * n statement regarding inactivity in building trades, Soc.Glas 

said, in statement issued Fob. 10: "My own impression is that 
inactivity in the building trades is directly traceable not to 
any insufficiency of credit, but to the continuance of abnor- 
mally high costs." 

3. Sec. Glass has established a credit of ^75, 000, 000 in favor of 
Italian Govarament and credit of $40,000,000 in favor of Bel- 
gian government, making a total of $1,385,000,000 for Italy and 
$296,145,000 for 3elgium. 

4. Dr. W. C. Stimpson, U. 3. Public Health Service, told Senate 
Buildings Committee, Feb. 11, that 24,000 soldiers have bean 
discharged from Army as tubercular since beginning of war. 

War Dept. 1. Sec. Baker made announcement Feb. 11 which indicated reduction 

of hospital facilities in France to conform with the continued 
reduction of army personnel. 

2, To assist relatives to locate men reported missing in action, 
hospital newspapers published by personnel and patients of over 
25 Army hospitals, are establishing columns called "The Port of 
Missing Men. " In the^e columns are printed name, rank and or- 
ganization of men regarding whom inquiries are received. Rela- 
tives desiring to avail themselves of this opportunity should 
address "The Port of Missing Men, " Sur. Gen. Office, Washington, 
D. C. 

P. 0. Dept, Tribute to the patriotic efforts of postmasters throughout the 

country in sale of IV. S. S. during 1913, and an appeal for con- 
tinued' cooperation with Treasury Dept. during -resent year, are 
contained in a statement by P.M.G. Burleson mads public Feb. 10. 

Interior Kept* Received by Council of National Defense F?b. 12 nev pamphlet, 

2^ pages, entitled "' r ork and Homes for Our Fighting Men." 
Contains reprint of Sec. Line's Land Plan; digest of the pend- 
ing bill; letters of inquiry from our fighting men; bibliog- 
raphy; chart; diat other nations are doing, etc. (In file under 
"Land") 

Agriculture Dept. Department's circular, "Qrops and Live Stock Production in 1919" 

says: "Terribly devastated or disorganized conditions in much 
of Kurope and the long time that will elapse before normal con- 
ditions can be restored must be taken into consideration by 
the farmers of the U. S. in arriving at a basis of sound agri- 
cultural practice. " 

Goramerce Dept. In interest of stimulating renewed buying in marts thrown open 

by war, two new comrjjercial attaches have be ra sent to Roma and 
to Madrid upon invitation of Italy and c V.ain. l 'itnin a few 
days Dr. L. 3. Van Mormon will depart for Roumani a to r ; : ort 
to Foreign and Domestic Bureau on prospects in tfc.3 Bali ins. 



>. 52 



-3- 



Feb. 12, 1919. 



Labor Dapt. 
Food Admn. 



Final summaries of Naturalisation Bureau disclosas that war ha 
brought 160,900 naw citizens to U. S. 

Final report of Thrashing Division shows that 17 states estim: 
a saving, by reason of activities of this division, of mors tht, 
20,000,000 bushels of wheat. 



Coram, on Public 
Information 



Press statement issued Feb. 11 to effect that, having complete'! 
its work, Division of Films will soon go out of existence. 



Finance 



Labor 



1. 



FOREIGN 
Labor 1. 



3. 



3. 



Savings Bank Section of Amer, Bankers' Ass'n. announced in N.Y. 
Fab. 11, that a nationwide movement has been launced for amor- 
tization of $6,000,000 in realty mortgage loans, because of 
"urgent need for funds within next few years? in order to supply 
adequately the demands of resumed building operations." 

Dispatch from Seattle Fab. 11 states that general strike in 
Seattle is to all appearances over. 

Press dispatch from New York Fab. 11 states that a truce has 
been signed between the strikin:: unions of the building trades 
and the Building Trades Employers' Ass'n. extending from Fab.lo 
vuitil Fob. 15 at noon in hope of arbitrating differences with 
carpenters' union, vtfiich brought oh a sympathetic walk-out. 



Cable dispatch from London February 11 states that all strikers 
in the Clyde district have bo 3n instructed bv their leaders to 
return to work Feb, 13. 

Cable dispatch from London Fab. 11 states that miners, railway 
men and transport workers numbering 1,500,000 began a campaign 
for reforms. Committee of Miners ' Federation was to meet lead- 
ers of government to ask for a 6-hour day, a 30% increase :'n 
wages and full pay to demobilised miners during unemployment. 

According to official advices Fee. 10, lack of raw material : 
is. the principal cause of unemployment in Belgium, and to ob- 
viate this situation government has asked Allied powers for 
a credit with which to purchase materials and products of prime 

necessity. 




COUNCIL 0? NATIONAL DEF^JSE 
Reconstruction Research Division 

DAILY 

Jo. 5" 



fir*, 




n Feb. 13, 1919. 

'"■RUCTION NE ,ir S 



International 



3. 



4. 



Cab Is dispatch from Paris Feb. 13 says: "The plan for a leagut 
of Nations, which may now be considered as virtually approved 
by all the members of the special commission, provides for a 
small body of representatives of the great and small countries 
which will govern the society of nations, meeting every two or 
three months, in a place that will be internationalized. 

The official communique issued in Paris Feb. 13 on the work of 
the T Var Council says: "Article IV of the British draft was 
carried, providing that at the proposed international l.*bor 
conference the representatives of the governments, the employ- 
ers and wori people should be entitled to speak and vote inde • 
pendently without regard to the views expressed by the other 
representatives of their nation. ******** 

C£Le dispatch from Paris Feb. 13 states that according to an 
official announcement the Supreme Council decided on the condi 
tions for the renewal of the armistice with Germany. 

Cable from Paris Feb. 11 says: "A statement issued by tha Of- 
ficial Bureau explains that the Supreme Economic Council is no - 
to be confused with the Economic Commission of the Peace Con- 
ference. The Supreme Economic Council will decide economic 
questions during the armistice. The Economic Commission will 
advise the Peace Conference on economic question in connectio - 
with the Peace Terms." 



5. Cable dispatch from London Feb, 11 says: "The Allied ?overnraen 
have ordered the Poles and the Germans to cease hostilities , 
according to newspaper reports received today from Berlin. " 



State Dept, 



Treasury Dept. 



1. Acting Sec. Polk announced Feb. 13 that the U. S. now had ac- 
cepted formally the proposal of the Japanese Government in re- 
gard to plans for restoration of railway traffic in Siberia, 

3. Dept. announces that, according to advices received, famine 
and typhus are sweeping Tabriz, Persia. American Consul at 
Tabriz has been made Chrm. of a relief coaxdttee. 

3. In annual report , Vice Consul C. E. Hansen, at Bangkok, Siam, 
chronicles development of commerce and industries, education, 
public health and welfare of Siam and the Kingdom's part in 

the War. 

Comptroller of Currency announces Feb. 11 that for the first 
time in their history the resources of our National banks at 
the last call, Dec. 31, 1918, passed the $20,000,000,000 m^rk 
and amounted to $30,043,334,000. This in an increase of 
$330,330,000 over preceding call of Nov. 1, 1918, and an ad- 
vance as compared with Dec. 31, 1917, of $1,968,916,000. 



No. 53 



-3- 



Feb. 13, 1919. 



War Dept. 



Sac. Baker announced Feb. 13 th3 appointment of tho U.S. Liqui- 
dation Commission, whose function is to liquidate the business 
and financial affairs of the .American Army in England and 
France. 



2. According to statement issued Feb. 12 by Office of Sur. Gen« 

there were 13,249 wounded soldiers in hospitals in U.S. regis- 
tered during December for various educational or other courses 
of instruction provided by the military authorities. 



Labor Dept. 



A.Caminetti, Commissioner General of Immigration, stated F3b.l2 
that reports of prospective wholesale deportations of aliens 
were "■unjustified." He said, "It is estimated that about 6,000 
aliens are to be deported, the great majority because they are 
insane or otherwise public charges. Most of the remainder are 
diseased or have been found guilty of offenses subjecting them 
to deportation. A few, comparatively, are agitators who are 
opposed to our form of government or all organized government," 



Council of Nat'l 
Defense 



Endorsement of the Community Council method of organization 
which has been sponsored by the C. of N.D., featured the meeting 
of representatives of th3 State divisions of the Woman's Commit- 
tee held Feb. 12 at Ccuncil headquarters at Washington. A res- 
olution creating a committee of five women to formulate plans 
for continuing the activities of the Woman's Committee under 
the Community Council plan, which includes both men and women, 
was passed. The personnel of the Committee includes: Mrs. 
E, C. Thompson of Wis,, Mrs. Samuel Inman of Ga., and Miss 
Alice Hunt of N. J., Miss Hannah J. Patterson and Mrs. Stanley 
McCormick of the Woman's Committee are members ex-officio. 



Shipping Board 



Board announces that the positions of supercargoes have all been 
filled and within last month 8,100 applications have been re- 
ceived. 



Fuel Admn. 



Agriculture 



Administrator Garfield announces that the Admn.'s natural gas 
regulations were not cancelled by the ordei suspending price and 
other restrictions on coal and coke effective Feb. 1. 

Representation of the farmer in the League of Nations was the 
central idea of a program adopted by the Nat'l Board of Farm 
Organizations in conference at Washington Feb. 13. Program, 
proposed by Gifford Pinchot, will be presented to Peace Con- 
ference by Chas. Barrett, Prear. of Nat'l Farmers' Union. 






t ■ ■ VI.. : 



No, 53 



Feb, 13, 1919. 



Aviation 



Labor 



Dispatch from New Orleans Feb. 12 states that airplane mail 
service between Honduras, Nicaragua, Salvador, and tj. 3. is 
soon to be established, according to Joaquin Bonilla,' Honduras 
Counsel to Manchester, England; now in New Orleans. 

1. The right of railroad employees to strike would be insisted 
upon under Government ownership, A.B.Garretson, President of 
Order of Railway Conductors, said Feb. 12 in reply to questions 
of "Sen. Cummins of Iowa, duringuhis examination on railroad 
problems before Senate Commerce Committee. 



3. 



League of Nations 



Representatives of the ship workers from Maine to the Great 
Lakes and the Gulf will present to Vice Pres. Marshall at a 
conference in Washington Feb. 14 a program upon which, it is 
said, organized labor hasjagreed, as far as it relates to the 
shipbuilding industry. This program is embodied in resolutions 
adopted at convention in Philadelphia Feb. 13 of shipbuilding 
federation of Atlantic coast, Great Lakes and Gulf. 

In talk before 750 women at Victory Dinner, Washington, Feb. 13 
Miss Julia Lathrop, Chief, Children's Bureau, said that the 
part of woman was to take up the responsibility of teaching the 
need of a League of Nations. 



Reconstruction 
Bibliography 



Trade 



r 'oman Suffrage 



Div.of Education Extension of the Education Dept. of N.Y. State 
has issued a bibliography of recant publications on Peace and 
Reconstruction. List comprised in 31 titles regarded to date 
as authorities'. Traveling Library Division has complete collec- 
tion and will sand to every part of the Stu.te of New York on 
application. (in file) 

Francis J. Hensy, former counsel for Federal Trade Commission, 
testifying Feb. 13 before House Interstate Commerce Com.dttee, 
declared that within 10 years, and probably within 5, the five 
leading meat packers would control entire food supply of coun- 
try and would be able to charge v\hatever prices they desired. 

Wisconsin has granted women the right to vote at Presidential 



elections. Senate, Feb. 
Bill to this effect. 



13, by vote of 37 to 4, passed House 



FOREIGN 
Agriculture 



Cable dispatch from Australia, Feb. 13 states that the sale 

of 13, 000 tons of wheat from government pool to Sweden it 

$1.37 a bushel, f.o.b. Melbourne, has recently been consummated. 



* 

• 1 -. 



■ ■ ■' '.' ? .*:• 

:v ;■ ;.. -;•.••$, ,. . i 

■ - ...it,. ,'. ■ 

■ J : v ■■ . ■■ 

- ... :■ 






, :• ; p. ■-. ,'t 



v 



! - . 



. ... , 



Jo. 53 



•4- 



Feb. 13, 1919. 



Pemobilization 



Speaking before a gathering of 750 Ionian it Victory Dinner, at 
Washington Feb, 13, Mrs, Chas, Robson, of Ottawa, President of 
Canada's sociaty for repatriation of women, from othar 1 coun- 
tries, stated that this society, formed for reconstruction pur- 
poses, had completed an organization vjhich was coping adequate- 
ly with the problam of repatriation of the 40, 000 wivas brought 
home by Canada' s returning soldiers. The organization covers 
every section of the Dominion and cares for tha "ar Brides and 
their Babies from the noment of their debarkation to settlement 
in their naw homas, and is praparing for the follcv-up work 
of making them good citizens. 

Mrs. Robson stated that under Canada's Land Plan 900 soldiers 
had already been placed on land, and $1,500,000 loaned for 
development of tnis work; also that a loan of $35,000,000 had 
been provided for supplying modern homes for Canadals "working 
paople. Stated also that soldiers' pensions were brought up to 
date. Canada's gratuity system for returning soldiers embraces 
a comprehensive table of r^tas. J, soldier who has servo! 3 
years racaives a gratuity of 6 months pay; two years, 5 months 
pay» 1 ysar, 4 months pay, .and if he served 3 months in the 
army he is grant ad a gratuity of 3 months pay. (Further fig- 
ures from ithis source in file.) 



Politics 






Railroads 



Trade 



Cable dispatch from Weimar ). ; 'eb. 13 says: "Friedrich Ebart, 
Pr^s. of Germany, in his apaech accepting Presidency, said: 
' Iwill administer my office not as the leader of a single 
party, but I belong to the Socialist party and cannot forget 
my origin and training. The privileges of birth already have 
bean eliminated from politics and are being eliminated from 
social life. We shall combat domination by force to the ut- 
most, from "hatever direction it may come.' " 

N. Y, Sun states that $500,000,000 will be spent this year 

on Canadian railroads and shipbuilding, partly under government 

auspices and partly by Canadian Pacific. 

Press dispatch Feb. 13 states that Graat Britain has startad 
her trade-carrying program by letting contracts for 100 ships, 
and states th-at averv berth in shipyards will be occupied for 
3 or 3 years to come. 



' f .'.' 



I .. 



COUNCIL OF NATIONAL DEFENSE 
Reconstruction Research Division / ' L February 14, 1919 

DAILY DIGEST OF M&5QNSTRUCTION NET'S 
Mo. 54 V 




International 1, Cable dispatch from Paris Feb, 13 states that the Bourgeois 

proposition for an interallied military force to enforce peace 
was defeated by an overwhelming vote at the meeting of the 
Society of Nations Commission today, ** The draft of the 
Society of Nations plan was then -unanimously adopted as a whole 
The final draft consists of 26 articles, 

2, Cable dispatch from Paris Feb. 13 says: "The U» S., under the 

Society of Nations plan, as it now has been amended , will main- 
tain an army of not less than 500,000 men, which, after author- 
ization of such action by U, S, Senate, could be used wherever 
necessary," 

U, S, Congress Final legislative action on the r 'ar Revenue Bill, levying 

$6,000,000,000 in taxes this year and $4,000,000,000 yearly 
thereafter until revised v/as taken February 13 by the Senate 
without record vote , 

Treasury Dept . 1, Sec, Glass told House '"ays and Means Committee Feb. 13 that it 

was apparent "something must be done to make the bonds or notes 
of the Victory Liberty Loan more attractive than their prede- 
cessors," and asked that Congress give him authority to fix 
interest rates and determine exemptions from taxation according 
to financial conditions existing when loan is floated in April, 

2, Drastic legislation to protect the Government in its financial 
operations, and the people of the United States from "threat-. ■ 
ened grave injury" growing out of issuance of securities of 
doubtful worth was asked of Congress Feb. 13 by Sec. Glass, 

r ar Dept, 1, According to a quarterly report on stocks issued Feb, 13 the 

^ : ar Dept, had on hand in January a stock of raw wool valued at 
$196,000,000, The wool is being distributed gradually to the 
trade » 

2, Capt , B, Flood, who, under the American Provost Marshal in Parif 
has acted as Chief of the Army's Bureau of Criminal Investiga- 
tion, states that there is no "crime wave" among soldiers of 
A,E,F, in Paris, "The percentage of crime among American sol- 
diers is remarkably low," he said* 

3, Sec. Baker announced Feb, 13 that no discharges in advance of 
general demobilization were to be expected in the cases of army 
conscientious objectors whose scruples were recognized as legit' 
imate after examination, but who refused civil employment in the 
interests of the government or those whose conscientious scru- 
ples were held only against participation in the vrar with Ger- 
many, 

4, Sec. Baker approves modern methods of treating military prison- 
ers and of keeping men liable to become delinquents out of the 
army, recommended by the recent conference in Washington of 
commanders of diciplinary barracks* 



J T o. 54 



February 14, 1919 



Interior Dept. 



Agriculture Dept. 



Sec. Lane urged women to do their utmost to put educational 
facilities within tne rea.cn of all children and to cooperate 
in the movement to educate aliens, in address before women 
attending "Victory Conference" in Washington Feb. 13. 

Dept. announces that the temporary embargo on red clover seed 
exports since early in December has been removed and licenses 
aro being issued as heretofore. 



Labor Dept. 



Desiring to ascertain local and national angles on the unem- 
ployment situation in the U. S. and the failure of individuals 
and business concerns to realize the necessity for immediate 
building, as urged by Dept. of Labor, a letter has been sent 
to State and City executives at the request of Sec. Wilson, 
asking them to attend a conference in Washington early next 
month. 



Shipping Board 1. 



2. 



Chrm, Hurley announced Feb. 13 that he nad arranged with U.S. 
Chamber of Comuerce to obtain an expression of opinion from 
business, civic, industrial aad labor organizations of U.S. 
upon the policy tnat should be adopted by the Government to- 
ward the Merchant Marine. 

Board announced Feb. 13 that ocean freight rates for general 
cargo moving from Paciiic coast ports to Japan and China were 
fixed at $12 a short ton. effective March l. 



Board also announced Feb. 13 minor corrections in rates previ- 
ously published for trade with Europe and the United Kingdom. 

3. Board issued announcement Feb. 13 stating that in cooperation 
with the U. S. Shipping Boara, Georgetown University has es- 
tablished a Sea Trade school to train young men for thenationa" 
Merchant Marine service. 



War Trade Board 



1. Board announced Feb. 13 the withdrawal of restrictions on the 
exportation of coffee, lard, and lard substitutes. 

2, Board announced Feb. 13 that commodities might be imported in- 
to Eelgium free except bread cereals, sugar, tobacco, wines, 
spirits, malt and coal. For these a Belgian import license 
will be required. 



American Red Cross 



Council of National 
Defense 



American Red Cross has placed at the disposal of the Army 
Medical Corps for use in reconstruction work an.' emergency 
fund of $200 a month for each base and general nospital en- 
gaged in this work. 

Grosvenor B. Clarkson, Director, issued statement from IT, Y. 
Feb. 14: "The U. S. Council of national Defense, *** has be- 
gun a nation-wide campaign urging tne people of the country 
to buy only what they need, but to buy it now. The Council's 
action is based on the general industrial situation. **" 



No. 54 



-3- 



February 14, 1919 



labor 



Railroads 



1. Represents. tives of the Brotherhood of Carpenters and Building 
Trades Employes' Ass'n. failed to agree on a wage scale ct cor: 
ference in N. Y. Feb. 13, and the carpenters will resume Feb.l 
the strike which was suspended wnile negotiations were pending 

2. Nat'l Catholic' War Council made public Feb. 13 announcement ad- 
vocating adoption of minimum wage schedules and the continuance 
as far as possible .of wage levels established during the war as 
part of its reconstruction program. Permanent establishment of 
the Nat'l War Labor Board and the U, S. Employment Service are 
among the principal recommendations of tne Council. 

C. 17. Bunn, general counsel for Northern Pacific R.R. , speaking 
Feb. 13 before Senate Interstate CoLimerce Committee, said no 
system of governmental supervision of ro.ilrot.ds would be sue-* 
cessful without power in the Federal Government to control the 
whole rate situation. He suggested tnat tne I. C. C. be given 
authority to review state r»tes and bring them into harmony 
with interstate rates. 



Notes from Victory 

Conference of Women.1 .Resolution passed at Victory Conference of Women held in Wash- 
ington Feb. 13 asking Pec.ce Conference to appoint women on ad- 
visory commissions and at least allow them to serve on questions 
relating to women and children. 

2. Victory Conference of Women appointed a permanent standing 
committee, to be enlarged indeiinitely , to keep women of the 
United States informed on movements of Peace Conference affect- 
ing women and children. 

3. Jo-ne Addams stated at Victory Conference Feb. 13 that the inter- 
allied food cdmini strati on, representing five great powers and 
29 other nations, supplies 240,000,000 of people with food. 
Miss Addams declared tnis to be "a going concern" and illustra- 

• tive of the power of operation of a league of nations. 

4. At morning session of Victory Conference Feb. 13, Miss Mary E. 
McDowell, head of University oi Chgo. Settlement, stated, that 
the European women have asked her why they do not ue»r what 
American women are tninking about the Society of Nations. At 
later session resolution passed sending expression of American 
women's endorsement of Society of Nations to the Frencn women 
whose "Manifestation of Appreciation to Pres. Wilson" was read 
by Miss McDowell at morning session. 

Tne latter document can be obtained by applying to Mi as Mary L. 
McDowell, Cnicago. 

(Other data obtained at Victory Dinner ^nd Conference in file. ) 



FOREIGN 
Labor 



The Women's Legion of England v/ill continue training of women 
for tne lend, both with a view to nome service and also for 
purpose of equipping women for emigration. Tne Legion also 
purposes to undertake to reiorm conditions of household service 
as regards hours of work and recreation. 



■< l;; 








COUNCIL OF NATIONAL DEFENSE 
Reconstruction Research Division / / Feb, lo, 191S. 

DAILY_JJIGESt/oF RECONSTRUCTION NE"'S 



No, 55 



J, S. Congress 1, With the 7;ote of Vico Pres. Marshall breaking a tie, Senate 

Feb. 14 defeated a motion by Sen. Hiram Johnson to proceed 
with consideration of his resolution proposing an expression 
by Senate for withdrawal of American troops from Russia as 
soon as pradticable. 

2. Rep. Stafford of Wisconsin raised point of order in provision 
in Army Appropriation Bill continuing present #30 a month pay 
for enlisted men which would reduce pay to $15 a month after 
July 1 , 

State Dept. D^pt, announced Feb. 13 that the British government had agreed 

to the release of British subjects who went from U. S« to Great 
Britain to work in munitions plants so that they may return to 
this country. Soma already had taken out first citizenship 
papers to become citizens of U. S. 

Treasury Dept. 1. Sec. Glass, in address in New York Feb. 14, said: "I shall not 

approach the next loan in a spirit of the coldness of business 
but in a spirit of thankfulness to God and to patriotism of 
American people which have nsvor failad in time of need." 

2. Savings Division announced Feb. 13 that support of the govern- 
ment 1 s campaign to promote general thrift and carry on the 
sale of W.S.S, during 1919 has been pledged by 19,000 savings 
institutions affiliated with the American Bankers' Ass'n. 

War Dept. 1, Sec. Baker said Feb. 14 in public speech: "The U. 3. is in a 

position to lead the world in work of reconstruction." 

2, Sec, Baker received cablegram Feb. 15 f rom E. de Billy of 

French High Commission stating that France has offered to pre- 
sent to the U. S. the site for a monument on French soil to 
Americans who died "on the field of honor." 

Interior Dept. 1. Sec. Lane announced Feb. 15 the designation for entry of nearly 

3,000,000 acre3 of public lands in the west. Mineral lands 
lying within the lignite area of No. Dakota comprise 773,000 
acres of the total. These lands Can be bought for $10 to $30 
an acre. 

2. Council of Nat ' 1 Def ?ns i has deceived from U, S, Reclamation 
Service a booklet, 10 pages, entitled "Do You Want a Farm?" 
Contains questions and answers covering every phase of land 
plan of Sec. Lane as it relates to 'returning soldiers. 






,-. T 



•; . 



■ ■ I 



No. 55 



-a- 



Feb. 15, 1919, 



Interior Dept. 



3. Illiteracy was held up as the root of Amsrican industrial labo 
troubles by Sac. Lane Fab. 14 in appealing to th3 House Educa- 
tion Comrnittae for immediate action on a pending bill to pro-' 
vide $13,500,000 Federal aid annually to States appropriating 
money for the education and development of illiterates. 



Labor Dept. 1. ™/ar Labor Board announced Feb. 14 that a decision had been 

reached which is expected to end the strike of eastern textile 
workers, Decision announces a temporary working basis of an 
8£ hour das'- and a five day weak. 

3. Children's Bureau issues report on Sural Children in Selected 
Counties of No. Carolina, being No. 3 in Sural Child Welfare 
Series. 130 pages. Contains information gathered from visits 
to 487 families by Frances S, Bradlev, M, D. and Margaretta A. 
Williamson. 

R. R. Admn. 1. Dir. Gen. Hines said in address before Railroad Committee of 

Chamber of Commerce of U. S. Feb. 13 that prompt extension of 
the period of Federal control of the railways is preferable to 
eleventh hour action. 

3. Administration announces that direction of the nation's export 
business will be transferred March 1 from the Government a p 
Exports' Control Committee to Conrad "• Spens, Assti Dir% of 
Traffic, in charge of export and import traffic. 



War Trade Board 



1. Board announced Feb. 15 that So. American markets have been 
rendered more accessible to American exporters through cancel- 
lation by Board of its ocean shipping preference procedure for- 
the east coast of So. America, through which priority of cargo 
space was controlled by the Board. 

3. Board announces that fruit as mentioned on free list published 
Jan. 3 does not include dried fruit. Board will, however, Con- 
tinue to grant licenses freely for shipments of dried fruit to 
Denmark, Norway, Sweden and Holland, provided appropriate im- 
port certificate covering guarantees against re-export is ob- 
tained. In so far as Denmark, Norway and Sweden are concerned 
the limit to quantity which may be imported has been entirely 
removed on dried fruits. 



■American Red Cross A conference on the restoration of disabled men to self-support 

will be held in New York Feb. 17 to 33 inclusive, under aus- 
pices of Red Cross Institute for Crippled and Disabled Men, a 
departmental branch of American Red Cross. 



omen 



Cable dispatch from Paris Feb. 14 states thit the Interallied 
Suffrage Congress Feb. 14 adopted a resolution, proposed by 
Mrs. J. B. Rubles, of U. S», and seconded by Mrs. M. G. Faracett 
of England, declaring that coming peace should be a people's 
peace, which it cannot be if women are not consulted, and that 
the League of Nations should not be an alliance of governments 
only but a general alliance of the people of the world. 









i 



... 







COUNCIL OF MTIOKAL DEFENSE 
Reconstruction Research Division 

DAILY DIGEST/! 
No. 56 / U , 




February 17, 1919. 



INSTRUCTION IIE'WS 



Executive 



Internationa J. 



2. 



Pros Wilson Feb. 14 cabled a request to Foreign Relations com- 
mittees of Congress to defer debate on the constitution of the 
proposed League of Nations until he had an opportunity to go 
dver it "article by article" with the members. 

Cable dispatch from Paris, Feb. 15, states that in presenting 
the views of France regarding the covenant of the League of 
Nations, Leon Bourgeois, French representative on the Commission 
which framed the covenant, said: "I rise to express the deep 
satisfaction of all, and of France ** to see the unity of our 
wills and of our hearts in a passionate adhesion to the prin- 
ciples of the League of Nations." 

Dispatch from Paris, Feb. 15 says: "With the subject of the 
League of Nations now out of the way for some time to come, the 
biggest problem before the Peace Conference at present is be- 
lieved to be the readjustment of the world's financial and 
economic relations." 



U. S. Congress The Senate by a strict party vote Feb. 15 refused to lay aside 

the Rivers and Harbors Bill to take up a resolution offered 
by Sen. Cummins, and approved by the Republican caucus of the 
Senate, providing for the appointment of six joint congression- 
al committees to study reconstruction problems. 

State Dept. 1. A dispatch to the State Dept. states that an amendment discon- 
tinuing the national iottery after Dec. 3.1, 1921, in Republic 
of Panama, attached to the bill relating to the distribution 
of municipal commercial taxes, was passed by the National Assem- 
bly and signed by the President. 

2. State Dept. has been advised that the Minerales and Me tales 
Subsidiary Co. of the American Metals Co. of Monterey, Mexico, 
is closing smelter No. 3 due to the low price of lead and is 
discharging the 'vorkmen employed therein. The refinery section, 
however, will continue in operation. 



Treasury Dept. 1. 



2. 



In official estimate made public Feb. 15, based on data in hands 
of Federal Reserve Board, Sec. of Treasury, and Bulletins of 
Swiss Society of Banks, exclusive of expenditures by Belgium, 
Portugal, Roumania, Austria-Hungary, the total cost of the 
European war was fixed at $179,000,000,000. 

In address in New York Feb. 15 Sec. Class recommended that the 
sale of War Savings and Thrift Stamps be made a permanent fea- 
ture of the work of Treasury Dep.t. 



, i- 



S- 1 ■■ 



Ho. 56 -3- February 17, 3.919. 



War Dept. 1. Gen. March announced Fab. 15 that .Army discharges in demobiliz 

tion in U. S. had reached a total of 1,174,545 officers and 
men, and the total number assigned for demobilization was 
1,50}, 000. 

3. Gen. March issued chart Feb. 15 showing number of trbops 
furnished by each state. 

3. Gen. March published statistics Feb. IS showing that battle 
death rates in American Army during the great var exceeded 
the death rates from disease. 

Post Office Dept. Otto Praeger, 2nd Asst. Postmaster General, Feb. 11 issued 

announcement: "This department has been advised of a decree 
of the Mexican government, establishing an additional charge 
of 15$ on mail articles exported from or imported into Mexico, 
said charge being over and above the regular tariff duties 
applicable to the merchandise involved." 

Commerce Dept. Sec. Redfield stated in article in Wash. Star, Feb. 16: "I 

have been assured by leaders in many lines of industry that 
they will be willing to operate their plants without profit 
for the next two or three months, if thereby they can help to 
start commodities to moving and thus free American business 
from the stagnation which has hold of it." 

Labor Dept, 1. J. 0. Winslow, Dir. of Professional and Special S3Ction of 
U. S , Employment Service, stated Feb. 15 that despite the 
constantly increasing number of discharged soldiers seeking 
employment, positions of the "better Class" paying from $5,000 
to $10,000 a year are "going beggingl" 

3. In an effort to prevent a nation-wide strike in the building 
trades, Department has assigned H. L. Skeffington of Boston, 
and 'V. D. Davidge, of Washington, to act as conciliators in 
the building trades dispute which now centers in N. Y. City. 

3. Department issued statement Feb. 15, as part of its campaign 
to stimulate revival of public works construction as an off- 
set to unemployment, to effect that although Congre^ has 
appropriated $48,500,000 to assist the States in road building 
and Government has approved 760 projects, embracing a total 

of 7,869 miles, less than 45 miles of highway have been con- 
structed under Federal aid plan. 

4. Bulletin issued by Bureau of Labor Statistics shows steady 
progress of the movement to compensate' for industrial accidents 
without suits to prove the negligence of the employer. 



no . 56 



-3- 



tfsbruary 17, 1919. 



Labor Dart. 5, 



Department states that inquiries received as to '^3,000,000,000 
building program c enter chiefly on information as to how pros- 
pective builders can get government assistance for constructio 
projects. 



Civil Service Comm. Commission made public Feb, 15 monthly report oi Capt. J. Peyser 

of Housing Division of War Dept. showing that net reduction of 
Government's clerical force in Washington during January was 
2,397. 



War Trade Board 



For the information of the shipping public, ™ar Trade Board 
announced Feb. 14 that it is informed that, by reason of dis- 
turbed conditions existing in the northern portion of p ortugal, 
the Portuguese Government has closed to navigation all ports 
between Aveiro and Caminha, including these ports. 



Shipping Board 



Ghrm. Hurley announces that the Board desires 1,500 husky younp 
Amsricans at once to learn the business of firing boilers on 
the new ships of the Merchant Marine, and will have places for 
1,500 a month until further notice. 



Food -idmn. 



Administration announces that all remaining special regulations- 
governing dealers in eggs and cold storage warehousemen have 
been wi thdrawn^ effective Feb. 14. 



Fuel Admn. 



Administration announced Feb. 15 that .var-time regulation of 
the coal trade virtually will ceaae March 1. 



American Had Cross Reorganisation of the Am. Red. Cross on a peace basis was ae- 
1. complished at an adjourned annual meeting held Feb. 15 at 
national headquarters. 

3. Announcement made from national headquarters Feb, 15 that the 
War Council has arranged for the immediate shipment to France 
of textiles valued at S4, 533, C8Q to meet the acute need for 
wearing apparel. 



American Librarjl 
Asa'n. 



Association stated Feb. 15 that the total of over-seaa shipment;, 
of American Library Aas'n. books pass 3d the 3,000,000 mark on 
Feb. 1. 



Aviation 



At convention of Society of Automotive Engineers in New Yorlc 
Feb. 15 the question, "Will airplane construction influence 
automobile design?" received a number of answers, most of the-; 
negative. 



? I 



: :••• 



:.. * .* 



' •• i 



i 



c- 



No. 5S 



February 17, 1919. 



Education 



Labor 



Announcement made at Mexican Embassy Feb. 15 of arrangements f 
an interchange of professors and students between the Universii 
of Washington and the Nat'l University of Mexico. 

Dispatch from N» Y. Feb. 15 stated that Federal conciliators 
had failed to effect a settlement in nation-wide strike called 
for Feb. 17 of union workers in all the basic building trades 
employed on contracts held by members of Building Trades >5m- 
ployers 1 Ass'n. , but announced tiiat union leaders had agreed 
to submit the case to Nat'l Par Labor Board. 



League of Nations 



Former Eres« Taft said Feb. 16, in c5mmenting on League of 
Nations: "JPres. Wilson is to be warmly congratulated that the 
League of Nations which he promised to the harassed allied 
peoples in his messages and addresses and has urged before the 
conference has taken such a form. It is a real League." 



FOREIGN 
Aviation 



Diplomatic 



Cable dispatch from London Feb. 15 states that a 670 ft. air- 
ship is ready at Glasgow awaiting favorable weather for a trans- 
Atlantic flight to America. 

State Dept. is advised that Foreign Service of Swedish Govt, is 
to be reorganized according to a plan comprehending the 
amalgamation of the diplomatic and consular S3rvices, Jany 
additional commercial attache positions throughout the world 
will be established. 



Health Dr. Josephine Baker, of N. Y. City Fept. of Health, stated at 

Victory Conference of H'omen that the British Sur. Gen. estimate 
the fall in birth rate among Allies during war as 12,000,000 

Labor 1. Cable dispatch from London Feb. 14 states th it industrial ques- 

£I6ns in Great Britain are most import int issues of the day. 
Wm, Bx*ace and J. H. Thomas told House of Conmohs Feb, 13 to at 
the country is confronted by the most serious crisis in recent 
history if problems are not dealt with XBKnediately. 

3. Miss Mary E. McDowell, who has just returned from Europe, re- 
ported at Victory Conference that these were critical times for 
the women workers in France, who, during the war, for the first 
time in their lives, had wages on which they could live in 
reasonable comfort. 



? ''ork for Blind 



Sir. Arthur Pearson, blind publisher and philanthropist, is to 
establish in Frig land a college for blind girls, the first in- 
stitution of its kind in the world. He stated that many Amer- 
ican girls are expected to enroll. 



x- .:;.!* 







ii 




COUNCIL OF NATIONAL DEFENSE 
Reconstruction Research Division, 

February 18, 1919. 
1MIL7 DIGEST OF RECONSTRUCTION NEWS 
No, 57 



U, S. Congress 1. Press announces Feb. 18: "Responding to pressure from their cor; 

stituents, a number of Senators have decided to disregard Pras. 
V'ilson's request for silence and to open debate on the League 
of Nations constitution in the Senate." 

2. House Military Committee, by a dividad vote, Feb. 17, directed 
Chrm. Dent to apply for a. rule making the committee's proposed 
legislation authorizing enlistment of half a million men in 
order on the new Military Appropriation Bill, 

3. House Interstate Commerce Committee Feb, 17 reported favorably 
a resolution asking the President why the War Trade Board is 
refusing licenses to export American goods to foreign countries 

4. Senate and House conferees reached an agreement Feb. 17 on 
$400,000,000 Postoffice Appropriation Bill by eliminating Senat 
amendment providing for paaumatic tube mail service in N. Y. 
City and Brooklyn and retaining the Senate amendment appropriat- 
ing $200,000,000 for road construction during next 3 years. 

5. AH plans for considering railroad legislation at this session 
of Congress were abandoned Feb. 17 by House Interstate Commerce 
Committee. 

6. Steps to insure legislation by this Congress to correct the 
evils of court-martial practice in American army were taken 
Feb. 17 by Sen... Chamberlain, Chrm. of Military Affairs Com- 
mittee, 

7. Sen. Jones of Washington Feb. 17 introduced bill designed to 
end radical agitation. 

8. Chrm. Shirley of House Appropriations Committee introduced 
bill Feb. 17 recommending appropriation of $750,000,000 as 
revolving fund for the railroads. 



State Dept. 



Treasury Dept. 



Cable from Consul Gen. at London states that an order has been 
issued from March 1 abolishing the restrictions on dealings in 
hardwood timber outside the United Kingdom. Existing stocks 
in that country will be sold by public auction. 

Committee appointed to investigate present conditions in gold- 
mining industry reports against government taking steps to pre 
mote gold production in U. 5. (Full report in Off .Bull. 3- 15- 11 






;.• 



» * A .{','_'. $ - t t A 



.* ■<•••:■ 



■' « 



- ♦ 



fj.-JVfcc--. 



: J rxi - 



• . -i 



■'• ^rfi'j :,. :,- 



•■•.•■.-, 



: .. 



". 



I.-..C-- ft, 



:. t, 



■J '»":•■ ■ 



• r.. 



f 



N o< 57 _2_ February 13, 1919. 



War Dept. 1. Figures given out by War Dept. Feb. 17 showed the total casual 

ties of the war to be 273,079 while total names printed up to 
that date were 348,149, leaving 24,930 yet to be published. 

2. Establishment at Hoboken, N. J., of an Effect Bureau to receive 
from overseas personal effects of deceased officers and men and 
distribute them to proper relatives was announced Feb. 17 by 
Dept. 

3. Gen. Bliss cabled to War Dept., and information transmitted 
Feb. 17 to Senate, that American and allied troops operating in 
North Russia will be withdrawn "at earliest possible moment 
that weather conditions in the spring will permit." 

4. Sec. Baker annour.ee s that the situation at Brooklyn Armf. Supply 
Base is normal. In employment of workr.en preference is being 
given to enlisted men discharged from service. 

5. Dept. announces that an agreement just reached between U.S. and 
British government on amount to be paid for transportation of 
American troops to France during war in British ships is based 
on cost of transportation, with no margin of profit. 

6. Announcement made Feb. 17 that decision has be en reached to 
throw upon the market surplus stocks of copper, brass and lead 
held by War Dept. 

Navy Dept. According to report of Lt, Com. H. S. Babbitt, 18 of 56 members 

of crew of U. S. gunboat Scorpion, interned at Constantinople 
from April 11, 1917, to last November, married Turkish women 
and have been left there. 

interior D»pt. 1. U. S. Commissioner of Education has called a conference of 

specialists in industrial education in public and private 
schools, together with representatives of educational i^ress, 
to be held in connection with convention of Nat'l Society 
for Vocational Education in c 3t. Louis, Feb. 19. 

2. Sec. Lane announced Feb. 17 that casualties in American coal 
mines in 1918 reported by Bureau of Mines included 3,575 men 
killed. 

3. H. S. Gale, of U. S. Geol. Survey, states that the present is 
a critical time for the potash industry in U. S. (Full article 
in Off. Bull. Feb. 15, 1919) 

AgriculturelDept. l.Dept. states that on Friday, March 7, at 2:15 p.m. Bureau of 

Crop Estimates will issue a report relating mainly to stocks 
of grain in farmers' hands. 



No. 57 



-3- 



February IB, 1913. 



agriculture Dept. 3. Dept. states that, beginning with 1910, Bureau of Crop Bs-timat 

h^ts computed crop index number for each year, 100 being the 
average. (Full report in Off. Bulletin, Feb. 15, 1919) 

3. Seven central fruit-packing houses hive been formed, incorpor- 
ated, and are now working in Niagara Country/ IT. Y., as a result 
of intensive work done by County Fart- Bureau cooperating with 
N. Y. State College of Agriculture ^nd VS. S. Dept.of Agricul- 
ture. 



Commerce Dept. 1. 



Labor Dept. 



3. 



1. 



War Trade Board. 



Sec. Redfield Feb. 17 appointed ''. W< Hitter, formerly head of 
Hardwood Lumber Section of v MiB., to supervise organization 
executive work pertaining to Price Conference Conr-dttee 
approved by Pres. Wilson, to suggest prices which the government 
Will pay for principal commoditids during post-war readjustment 
period. 

To encourage American investment in foreign securities, Gov't, 
has taken steps to gather extensive information on credit con- 
ditions in othir countries. This Work, undertaken by Dept. of 
Commerce, with assistance of ,7 ar Trade Board and Treasury, has 
been started on a comparatively small scale with reports of 
Consular agents. 

Sec. Wilson announced Feb. 17 that aliens found advocating des- 
truction of property or overthrow of government by force will 
be deported under provisions of Immigration Act of Feb. 5, 1917. 

Latest weekly report of U. S. Employment Service -;ives pr^nd 
total of unemployed in country as 371,735, an increase over the 
week of Fab. 4 of 30,954. Reported that this statement is 
accorded special interest in government circles by reason of 
conference called on employment situation for early in March. 

Board announces in new ruling, after consultation with U.S. 
Food Admn. that it will now consider applications for licenses 
to export pork and pork products to all destinations except 
Great Britain and Italy. 



Shipping Board 



Cnrm. Hurley " ? eb. 17 sought relinquishment of 500,000 deadweight 
tons of cargo shipping from Army service. 



Federal Reserve 1. In report on business conditions throughout country, Board 
Boafd states that practically throughout the country the month of 

January has been characterized by uncertainty incident to per- 
iod of transition in business. Reports no essential loss of 
confidence in future of general situation. 



- 












■ 



..4 ■ 



«.../-. 1, ., 






; ■.. f .- 



Ho, 57 



-4- 



February 18, 1913. 



Federal Reserve 
Board 



3. Board states that in reviewing financial conditions for past 
month, in spite of beginning of industrial demands it banks ano 
requirements of last installments of Fourth Liberty Loans, thei 
has been exhibited a tendency toward increase of bank balances 
at financial centers. 



*jner. Library Ass'n, A 108-page catalogue of books on technical subjects, from 

which hospital librarians may select special works needed by 
soldier patients, has just been issued by Ass'n. 



Education 



Labor 



Trade Relations 



Annual report of General Education Board founded by J. D. Rock- 
efeller to promote education in U. S. , shows resources of 
$44,675,373. Funds went to medical schools, universities, for 
educational research, etc, 

1. Executive Council of Building Trades Dept. of A.F, of L. cabled 
Feb. 17 to 5am' 1 Gompers in France asking him to request Euro- 
pean Labor Readers to oppose contracts sought in France and 
Belgium by Building Trades Employers' Ass'n, of N. Y. 

3. Dispatch from Lawrence, Mass., Fab. 17, states that the strike 
of the textile operatives there entered on its third week. Mill 
agents said number of operatives reporting for work was greater 
than on any previous day. Leaders of strike to obtain 34 hours 1 
pay for 48 hours 1 work insisted, however, that strike was un- 
broken. 

3. American Inst, of Mining Engineers, meeting in N. Y. Feb. 17, 
stated that one of purposes of convention was to aid in develop 
ment of human relationships between the million miners in the 
U. S. and the mine operators. 

1. According to official information received Feb. 15, Pastor 

Rouaix, Mexican Sec. of Agriculture, has recorded u, revision of 
concessions granted foreign corporations and individuals by 
former governments of Mexico. 



2, Writer in '"ash. Star, Feb. 16, states that the war has brought 
about momentous changes in trade relations betwean Italy and 
U. S., not only in quest-ion of quantities but also of classes 
of goods. States that it would seem that this change is to be- 
come permanent owing to new agricultural and manufacturing con- 
ditions brought about by war in both countries. 



F R v I G N 
Rehabilitation 



Louis Loucheur, Minister of Industrial Reconstruction, stated 
to French. "enate Feb. 14 that France is faced with a most for- 
midable task in reconstructive the important coal and industrial 
districts of the Dept. of the Nord and Pas De Calais, and it 
will cost 75,000,000,000 francs. 






, 



it 



i 





COUlt; IL OF NATIONAL DEFENSE 
lecons traction Research Division I / February 19, 1919. 

DAILY DIGEST OF RECONSTRUCTION NE"S 
No. 58 / 



International Cable dispatch from Paris Feb. 18 states that equal representa- 
tion for governments on the one hand and employers and labor 
on the other was decided upon by the Commission on Internation- 
al Labor legislation yesterday in adopting plans for the meet- 
ings of the proposed annual international labor conference. 

U. S. Congress 1- Senate Feb. 18 passed annual Rivers and Harbors Bill, carrying 

appropriations of $33,000,000, or $6,000,000 more than the 
original House measure. Bill now goes to conference. 

3. Legislation providing for a temporaiy military establishment of 
540,000 officers and men during fiscal year beginning next 
July 1 was eliminated from annual Army Appropriation Bill 
Feb. 18 in House after passage of Senate bill for resumption 
of voluntary enlistments in the peace-time army, which would be 
restricted to the maximum of 175,000 men authorized in the 
Nat'l Defense Act of 1916. 

3. Sen. McKellar introduced joint resolution Feb. 18 proposing 
the reopening of all army court-martial proceedings since 
beginning of war with a view to remedying alleged injustices. 

4. Short-term notes, maturing in from one to five years, would be 
offered in forthcoming Victory Liberty Loan campaign,, instead 
of long-term notes, under tentative agreement reached Feb. 18 
by House Ways and Means Committee to fix terms of loan by Legis- 
lation rather than to give Sec. Class wide discretionary powers 
to determine them, 

5. Senate Building Committee recommended bill Feb. 18 providing 
consolidation of the work of caring for incapacitated soldiers 
under Public Health Service and War Risk Insurance Bureau, with 
Army hospitals turned over to the Health Service as needed. 

War Dept. 1. Sec. Baker asked Congress Feb. 18 to enact legislation author- 
izing acquisition and operation by War Dept. of Cape Cod Canal. 

2. Closer contact between the civilian and the soldier and better 
administration of courts-martial in Army were features of ad- 
dress of Gen. S. T. iinsell, acting Judge Advocate of Amy, Feb. 
18, at Commercial Club dinner. 

Navy Dept. 1. Rear Adm. Taylor, Chief of Construction, informed Senate Naval 

Affairs Committee, Feb. 18 that all of the 16 capital ships 
already authorized for Navy will be under construction on the 
ways within a year. 






No. 58 -2- February 19, 1915, 

Navy Dept. 2. Vice Admiral Gleaves, in address in N. Y. Feb. 13, advocated 

placing of America : s merchant seamen and men--0f-wa.rsrr.9n on 
same basis of compensation, treatment and discipline. 

Commerce Dopt. Sec. Redfield told members of Nat'l Retail Dry Goods Ass'n, 

last week that so-called British embargo rests on sound common- 
sense basis; that England owes U.S. a huge sum and also has a 
heavy war debt, she must, therefore, buy as little as possible 
for time being. 

labor Dept. 1. Sec. Wilson is author of extensive article under title, "The 

Labor Outlook", in Collier's Weekly, Feb. 1, 1919. 

2. Dept. Feb. 18 issued revised estimates on the building defi- 
ciency in the North Atlantic states showing a shortage in sum 
of $538,800,000. 

3. Report of Comnissioner of Immigration states that approximate - 



j6 



ly 9/o of the applications for naturalization made during the 
fiscal year 1918 were rejected. 

Civil Service Comm'n. Commission sent out call Feb. 18 for 350 audi tors, 500 ac- 
countants and 50 examiners of accounts. 

War Trade Eoard Board announces that the resumption of trade is hereafter 

authorized between U.S. and Bulgaria as well as the Turkish 
Empire both in Europe and in Asia Minor. 

Snipping Board Chrm, Hurley announced Feb. 18 that plans are being formulated 

by Shipping Board officials and Members of Congress for es- 
tablishment of a government agency to write insurance on 
government ships and cargoes in peace times. 

Food Admn. Confidential report made 6 months ago to ?res. Wilson by H. 

Hoover, made public Feb. 19, quotes Mr . Hoover as spying, 
in reference to control of Chicago packing industries, that 
"here is a growing and dangerous domination of the nation's 
foodstuffs," and recommended constructive Federal regulation. 

Labor 1. Press dispatch from N. Y. Feb. 18 states that more than 85,000 

operatives in 85 shirt tactories may be idle within a few days 
because of failure of employers and workers to agree on wages 
and hours. 

2. Dispatch from Chgo. Feb. 18 states that packing house employees 
in Cnicago were given a 10/i advance by decision of arbitrators, 
Judge Alscnuler, Advance is retroactive to Nov. 10. 

3. Cable dispatcn to N. Y. Times says that British Govt, proposes 
to call Nat'l Labor Peace Conference. Ccincil of 20 repre- 
sentatives each of labor and capital will be named to remain 
in constant session during readjustment period. 



Mo. 56 "3~ February 19, 1919. 



Lahor 4, Rxecutive Council of AtF. of L. made public Feb. 18 Legislativ- 

Reform Progrurn recommending redumption of all government work 
suspended because of the war, payment of soldiers' wages until 
they obtain employment, development of government lands with 
financial assistance provided to the tenants, and prohibition 
of immigration for <t years. 

S. H. C. McGowin, Vice Pras. Phil. Chamber of Commerce, and exec- 
utive of John Wanaoaker store, in addressing Chamber's Council. 
urged 6-hour working day in large retail stores from 11 a.m. 
to 5 p.m., the policy of having purchaser take small purchases 
with him, partial abolition of C.O.D., and commission for sales 
p ©op le . 

Politics Press dispatch i'roro Lansing, Mich., Feb. 13, states that for 

the first time in history of Michigan politics, a woman vvas to- 
day chosen candidate for a State elective office, when Mrs. D,l 
Stockman, was nominated by Hop. State Convention here as on? of 
party's two candidates for member of State Board of Agriculture 
in election of April 7. 

Public Health Rev. " r . M. Tippy, Exec. Sec. of Commission of Church and Social 

Service, has informed Sur. Gen. Blue of U. 3. Public Health 
Service that on Health Sunday, Feb. 23, the special pamphlets 
covering work of newly createi division of social diseases wil3 
be distributed in churches. 

Railroads Dar.'l Millard, Pros, of B. and 0. R, R. testified Fab. 18 be- 

fore Senate Interstate Commerce Committee- that experience in. 
war showed that railroads under private ownership and subject 
always to governmental regulation should be authorized to do 
whatever would b3 done in the public interest under government 
ownership and operation, or is actually being done under Feder- 
al contract and operation. 

Reconstruction. French reconstruction problems are comprehensively outlined in 

article by Henri-Martin Barzun, formerly Sec. to French Mini- 
ster of Labor, in Review of Reviews for Fab. 1919. 

F R E_I G _1 T 

Education Sir, 'rneat Cassel, British financier, lias given ?>J,500, 000 

trust fund for educational .purposes, particularly to encourage 
education of workmen's sons and daughters, and establish a 
faculty of commerce in University of London. 

Finance Cable dispatch from Paris Feb. 18 states tn t contracts have 

just been concluded by which Canada ''.ill furnish credits <fcf 
I 35,000,000 e '.eh to France and Eoumanij., the credits to be 
extended in purchase of important necessities in Canada. Us- 
gotiations for similar loan, it is said, are under .vav between 
B?lf.ium and Canada. 




COUNCIL 0? NATIONAL DEFENSE 
Reconstruction Ressarch Division J/\ February 30, 1919. 

DAILY DIGeW OF RECONSTRUCTION NEWS 
No. 59 / J]\jU L ' 

/ 
U. S. Congress 1, Annual Appropriation/Sill Carrying $11,199,000 for seaccast 

defenses of U. 3. arid, its insular possessions was passed Fab.l 
by the House without a record vote anil s-int to Senate. Only 
item in bill closeuy questioned was making available $4171000 
for construction of a radio dynamic under water torpedo inven- 
ted by John Hays Hammond, Jr. 

2. Representatives Wood of Ind.,and Heflin, of Ala., Feb. 19 urged 
removal of restrictions on the importation of American goods t< 
neutral countries. 

3, House Committee on Immigration Feb. 19 ordered favorably re- 
ported bill making drastic provisions for the deportation of 
undesirable aliens. Measure gives practically unlimited au» 
thority to Sec, of Labor to determine who shall be included in 
classification. 

4. Sen. Jones of Washington Feb. 19 suggested enactment of some 
legislation designed to maintain the price of Liberty Bonds. 

5, Final decision for sale in Victory Liberty Loan in April of 
short-term notes, maturing in 1 to 5 years, instead of bonds, 
was reached Feb, 19 by House Ways and Means Committee. 

Stat-9 Dept. 1. Chas. Denby, Special Adviser for State Dept., Feb. 19 urged 

before House Judiciary Corociittee enactment of a law to permit 
Federal incorporation of iyasrican companies engaged in for3ign 
trade. 

2* Dept. issues statement to effect that despite the fact that ru- 
mors are circulated to effect that Dept.'s restrictions on 
travel to European countries nave been relaxed, such is not the 
case. Also announces that no passports will be issued to women 
who have male relatives with U. S. forces in belligerent coun- 
tries. 

War Dept* 1. Dept. announces that Presidjnt Wilson has approved the sending 

of 3 American companies of railroad troops to J&irmansk, North 
Russia, for safeguarding and vslfars of troops. 

3. Department issued statement Feb. 19 to affect that aircraft, con* 
• tracts totaling $469,000,000 have be3n canceled or suspended 
by Department sinc3 signing of armistice. 

3. Gen« S. T. axis all, Acting Jud«9 Advocate Gen., said in cddress 
before Vash. Society of EngineerSj Feb. 19, th.t the coEDEttlding 
of armies along mechanical lines is a thing of the past. The 
army has a new kind of man in i t now, hs said. 

4. Dept. announces Army divisions that nave officially reported 
adoption of a divisional nam? or insignia. 



r , . 



i ■•■ x.-iii. \ .« 



■. •' a:. .iJ:' : -* ■ . '.■ ,• v ■!- ■: 

. •. -»J .. *_■ v. ■ 



:. .!>■ I 



t . 



t v. 







4 




No. 59 



- a- 



February 2.0, 1919, 



War Dept. 



Commerce Dept» 



5. Dept. .announced Fe % . 19 that about o no- fourth of itj civilian 
employees in "/ashiagton have been released since signing of 
armistice. Tot.,1 discharge is over 6,000. 

Dept. announced Fsb, 30 that January exports from U. S. valued 
$633,000,000, and exceeded any previous month in history of 
American commerce. 



Council of National Council has Authorized release to press Feb. 30 of the outlines: 



Defense 



of essential community readjustment work sent to its 164,000 
local units, in which they are reminded that "the permanent, 
non-partisan community council is the bast means at hand for 
preserving in the national interest the superb cooperation and 
unity which have been one of the great assets of the war to 
America." This unity is to be preserved by the community coun- 
cil acting as a clearing house for all emergency work and the 
activities of Federal, State, and worthy voluntary agencies in 
the community. 



Shipping Board. 1. Board announces that 4 more ships were allotted by Boai'd Feb»l9 

to European Civilian Relief Comrrdssion, and 3 were turned f rom 
war service to commercial trade routes. 



R . Ei Admn • 






Finance 



3. Wm. KcGee, Pres. Nat'l Board of Marine Underwriters, declared 
in statement Fe v . 19, answering charges of Chrm. Hurley of 
Shipping Board, that marine insurance rates are neither ex- 
cessive nor discriminatory .against American shipping* 

3. Board announced Feb. 19 that it would award cash prizes amount- 
ing to £500 for the best essays on shipping subjects written 
by students in the Foreign Sarvice School of Georgetown Uni- 
versity. 

1. Dir. General Hines announced Fab, 19 that he desires to clarify 
the relationships "between the U. S. R. R. Adion. and the State 
R. R. and Public Service Commissions, and to agree with them 
on apian of constructive cooperation under peace conditions. 

3* Admn. made public Feb. 19 details of the first year of '>cv : t 
operation of the nation* a transportation system. States that 
there were 43 billion miles of travel last year. 

1, Dispatch from New York Feb. 19 makes formal announcement of 

the completion of negotiations by a syndicate of bankers headed 
v v the Guaranty Trust Co., J. P. Morgan & Co. , Nat'l Bank of 
Commerce and Mat'l City Bank, for establishment of a commercial 
export crjdit in i\ T . Y. of $50,000,000 for a consortium of Bel-? 
gium banks , 

3. Announcement made in N. Y. Feb. 19 of the formation by the In- 
vestment Bankers' Ass'n. of a railroad committee which will op- 
pose permanent public ownership of operation of the railroads 
as inimical to best interests of the country, 



.. ; i . ... . • :i ":;• 



i.j. ;- ; -' >. 



..■'.. ■ J.\ ' ■! 



n..'i 




No. 59 



*3- 



February 20, 1919. 



Lai: or 



Railroads 



Trade 



1. Reprassntatives of the Building Trade Employers' Ass'm and of 
ths building trade unions failed to reach agreement for settle- 
ment of threatened nation-wide strike: at conference in ''ashing-" 
ton Feb. 19 and lata same day with officials of War and La'jor 
Dept., .Another conference will be held in New York within a 
few days. 

2. N. L". Joint Council of Te3ephone Workers at a meeting in Boston 
Feb. 19 set Fab. 35 as data on which employees of N.E.Tel, and 
Tel. Co. and Providence Tel. and Tel. Co. will vote on ques- 
tion of calling a strike. 

Dan' 1 Willard, Pres. of B. & 0. R. R., continuing testimony 
Feb. 19 before Senate Interstate Converge Committee, proposed 
ultimate consolidation of all the country's railroads into 
about 25 great systems along present lines, as an alternative 
to the plan for establishing regional systems on a geographi- 
cal basis. 

Press Dispatch from Chgo. states that a tentative export cor- 
poration composed of meat packers, exclusive of the five large 
packing companies, was formed Feb. 19 by representatives of 
40 firms from all over country. 



FOREIGN 
Finance 



Labor 



1. 



2. 



Cable dispatch Feb. 19 from Paris states that Louis L. Klotz, 
Minister of Finance, announced that he had completed considera- 
tion of a plan imposing a tax on capital, the payments on which 
would extend over a long period, so that the whole burden would 
not fall upon the present generation. 

Cable disvatch from Belfast, Fob. 19, states that the general 
strike in Belfast, which began nearly a month ago, ended Feb. 19 
with the decision of ths remaining 8,000 boiler makers to re- 
turn to work on terms; laid down by the employers. 

According to J. H. Thomas, Gen. Sec. Nat'l Union of Rlwy. Men, 
there are over 1,OOC,000 men and women unemployed in Great 
Britain. 



COUNCIL OF NATIONAL DEFENSE 
Reconstruction Researcn Diviscn 

DAILY DIGEST OF RECONSTRUCTION ITM7S 
No. 60 / 




February 21, 1919 



U. S. Congress 1. 



2. 



t5. 



The Senate, in passing tlie $98,000,000 Executive, Legislative 
and Judicial Bill Feb. 20, provided a bonus of $240 for Federe 
and District Governmental employees receiving up to $2,500 dur- 
ing fiscal year beginning July next. Employees of War Riak in- 
surance Bureau will receive bonus of $120 only. Senate has 
authorized creation of a joint congressional commission to stud, 
and report on a plan of reclassification of government salaries. 

Members of Senate Interstate Commerce Committee said Feb. 20 
that Congress will attempt no legislative solution of railroad 
problems until next regular session. 

Senate Agriculture Committee Feb. 21, after adding an amend- 
ment for the repeal of the Daylight Saving Act, favorably re- 
ported the $31,000,000 annual Agricultural Appropriation bill 
with committee's amendments approximating $5,000,000. 



Treasury Dept. 1. 



2. 






War Dept. 



3. 



1. 



2. 



Navy Dept. 



Sec. Glass issued statement Feb. 19 announcing that the Victory 
Liberty Loan campaign will begin not later than April 21. 
Stated that tne requirements of the Treasury are imperative and 
cannot be financed without such a campaign. 

Internal Revenue Bureau announces that work on the collection 
of $6,000,000,000 has commenced. 

Conversion r^tes for government War Risk insurance became 
known Feb. 20, and according to officials of the Bureau average 
30% lower than rates for similar policies in private companies. 

Department announces that a Packing House Products Branch of 
the Subsistence Division has been established in Chicago. It 
will be responsible for a}.l matters pertaining to the procure- 
ment, production, inspection, and distribution of packing-house 
products. 

Department publishes circular issued by Dir. of Purcaa3Q .Storage 
and Traffic, to effect that the Bureaus of the War Dept. »re 
authorized to sell surplus property in adjustment of contracts 
for war supplies without further reference to Director of Sales 

Chief Cable Censor announces that, effective Feb. 20, the re-, 
strictions imposed by the "Regulations of U, S, Cable Censor- 
ship" will no longer be enforced on normally routed cablegrams 
which botn originate and terminate in the U, S. , Alaska, Porto 
Rico, Virgin Island, Hawaiian Islands, Philippine Islands, or 
any other island possessions of U. S. in the Pacific. 



- 



. ••> .. 



f 






. . ; 



No. 60 



February 21, 1919, 



Interior Dept. 



Agriculture Dept. 



Sec. Lane expressed opinion to press Feb. 20 to effect that, 
community buildings dedicated to civic and social uses should 
be erected in all important cities as memorials to soldiers 
who gave their lives for liberty, <~nd these enterprises snould 
be financed with Liberty Bonds of Fifth issue. 

A summary oi results obtained at trie Forest Products Liberator 
of tne Forest Service is contained in a report of the Director 
of the Laboratory to the Forester, Outline of retort in 
Official Bulletin, Feb. 18. 



Commerce Dept. 



Labor Dept. 1. 



2. 



ti. 



,War Trade Board 1. 



2, 



Shipping Board 



Dept. Feb. 20 informed Senate Commerce Committee th£.t despite 
embargoes and other restrictions imposed by the Pfexican Govt. , 
oil imports from the southern republic are increasing steadily 

Statement reported made by officials of Department Feb. 20 to 
effect that restoration of confidence in business conditions 
and reduction of tne area of unemployment through facilitation 
of the Department's $3,000,000 building program as a means of 
offsetting "possible conditions of unrest in this country 
approaching revolution" are looked for at a meeting of Governor, 
and LJayors with President Wilson and representatives of the 
Labor Dept. about March 6. 

Sec. Wilson reported to have said in address in New York Feb. 
21 that the recent strikes at Seattle, Butte, and Lawrence wer<- 
instituted by "the bolsheviki" and I. W. V. for tLe sole purpo 
of forcing a nation-wide industrial revolution in U. S. 

Dept. issues announcement stating that it is now able to ex- 
plain to some degres . the work of the Investigation and Inspec- 
tion Service, a subsidiary organization, whose work conducted 
with absolute secrecy during the war was of the utmost impor- 
tance in maintaining the production of war supplies and in 
cnecking labor disputes before they led to strikes. (Pull repor, 
in Official Bulletin, Feb. 19) 

Board announces Feb. lb, for information of exporters in U.S., 
that it has been informed that the Belgian Gov't T has removed 
ail import restrictions on wines and tobacco. 

Board issued order Feb. 20 permitting immediate resumption oi 
trade between the U. S. and the colonial possessions held by 
Germany on August I, 1914. 

Chrm. Hurley announced Feb. 20 that wage adjustments in snip- 
yards after March 1, when existing national Agreements made 
through the ftfeicy Board expire, will be formulated through 
local organizations, on whicn the government, yard operators, 
and labor unions will be represented. 



No. 60 



-3- 



Feb. 21, 1919. 



H, R. Admn. 



Stated Feb. 21 that several State railroad commissions, in 
cooperation with the Railroad Administration, will soon insti- 
tute a friendly suit to determine whether State commis iions 
still have power under the Railroad Control Act to regulate 
interstate rates. BIr. Gen. Hines and representatives of the 
Stat?, commissions in conference F3b. 20 were unable to agree 
on this -ooint. 



Food Admn. Admn. announced Feb. 20 that restrictions oca the use of grain 

in the manufacture of "near Beer" and othsr non-intoxicating 
beverages were removed Feb. 20 after receipt of proclamation 
signed by Pres. l ulson and Sec. Lansing several weeks ago. 

Fuel Admn. Admn. announces that it has sent a letter to the Governor of 

every State in the Union in which is enclosed a memorandum 
conceiving the laws in each state as to gasoline inspection. 
Action taken in an endeavor to bring the specifications for 
petroleum and its products into harmonious relation one with 
the other in the different states. 

American Red Cross Harvey D. Gibson, American Red Cross Commissioner in Europe, 

send? request for continued production of clothing. States 
that garments both knitted and sewed are needed at the rate of 
a million a month for destitute refugees in France, Belgium, 
Italy, Roumania, Serbia, Greece, Palestine and other countries. 
As result Red Cross has requested its division organizations 
to have Red Cross Chapters continue production on as larg-; a 
scale as practicable. 

Industrial Relations C. of N. D. has received copy of Correspondence between L. D. 

Marshal}., Director of Industrial Relations, U. S. Shipping Bo^rd 
and Priestman Bros. Ltd., Holderness Foundry, Hull, England, 
relative to "Payment by Results" system. Correspondence 
covers period from May 6, 1918, to October 24, 1918, 



Labor 



S. B. Donnelly, Sec. of Employers' Ass'n., announced Feb. 20 
in N. Y. that, reversing a decision made earlier in the day, 
the Biiilding Trades Employers 1 Ass'n. has determined to comply 
a suggestion of the Sec. of Var for a conference of its 
representatives with those of the striking workers in the 
trades. 



Negro Question 



Prohibition 



Cable from Paris Feb. 20 states that the Pan-African Congress, 
which will prepare measures regarding land, capital, industry 
and education for black people scattered throughout the world 
for presentation to Peace Conference, opened in Paris with -±0 
Negro delegates in attendance. 

C. W. Feigenspan, Pres. of U. S. Brewers' Ass'n., stated in 
Newark, N. J., Feb. 20 that he believed the nation's beer sup- 
ply would be exhausted by May 1. 



No. 60 



-4- 



February 21, 1913 



Trade Relations 1. 



Press report Feb. 20 states that according to official in- 
formation American financial and trade representatives now in 
Europe have devised extensive plans for using the economic 
boycott as a weapon against nations failing to abide by decrees 
of the proposed League of Nations. Officials of Treasury, Der 
of Commerce, and War Trade Board familiar with the plans of the 
American representatives at Paris said this body might be en- 
trusted with powers to investigate unfair trade practices. 

Press states Feb. 21 that laws and decrees of the Mexican Govt, 
affecting foreign oil interests, and the French and British 
notes of protest against the Mexican petroleum tax, with the 
Mexican Government's replies, have been compiled and soon will 
be in the hands of officials at Washington. 



Wire Communication 



Commercial Cable Co. announced in New York Feb. 20 that cable 
messages for Alsace and Lorraine now are admitted under same 
conditions and at same rate as for France. Messages may be 
sent subject to censorship to the Black Sea ports of Russia, 
via Odessa. 



F OREIGN 
Lab ox- 



Cable dispatcn from London Feb. 20 states that 60,000 workers 
are on strike in Petrograd, demanding end of civil war and 
establishment of free trade. 



Woman Suffrage 



Dispatch from Ottawa Feb. 20 states that the Duke of Devonshire 
Gov. Gen. of Canada, declared in address at opening of 
Canadian Parliament, Feb. 20, that a bill enabling women to 
vote and conferring upon them tne privilege of sitting in 
Parliament will be introduced during coming session. 



COUNCIL OF NATIONAL DEFENSE 
Reconstruction Research Division 



No. 61 




[j^7 



DAILY DIGEST OF RECONSTRUCTION IffiWS 



February 24, 1919. 



U, a. Congress 



With only two important changes in the Committee draft, Wheat 
Guarantee Bill, authorizing the President to use existing agen- 
cies or to create new tones to buy the 1918 and 1919 \vheat crops 
at government guaranteed price of $2.36 a bushel and sell it at 
market price was. passed by House Feb. 22. It carries a working 
fund of a billion dollars, 



State Dept. 



Treasury Dept, 



At request of British and French governments, Stat3 Dept. has 
adopted a policy under which hereafter passports for travel 
in those countries will be refused bo a2.1 persons except those 
traveling on essential business. 

1. Estimates of governmental expenditures for next year gathered 
by Sec. Glass from various'-, departments indicate that ths finan- 
cial needs may run above the $4,000,000,000 to be provided by 
taxes , and that additional tax levies must be made at short- 
term securities sold to tide over the government for a year. 

3. Sec. Glass asks subscriptions for new 4-|% Treasury Notes for 
$500,000,000. (Details published in Official Bulletin Feb.2l) 

3. Late reports from Department record that subscriptions to Fourth 
Liberty Loan have amounted to $6,993,073,350. 

4. Reported Feb. 33 that outstanding loans of the War Finance Cor- 
poration amount to $108,000,000. 

5. Nat'l Organization for Public Health Nursing opens a nation- 
wide drive for public health nurses Feb. 23, in response to call 
of Bur. Gen. Rupert Blue of U. S. Public Health Service. 



War Dept. 



1. Gen. March announced Feb. 22 that the weekly review of progress 
of demobilization showed that a total of 74,313 officers have 
either resigned or been discharged from the Army to dat9, while 
1,164,518 men have been released. 

2. Dept. announces that approximately 1,500 Arity field clerks axo 
to be appointed by adjutant General to replace enlisted men, 
comprising the personnel detachments at camp headquarters in 
this country who are engaged in clerical work in connection 
with the demobilization of the army. 

3. Dir. of Sales announces that at a meeting for the purpose of 
taking up the matter of the disposition of surplus stocks of 
sodium nitrate in this country it developed that the government 
has a surplus of approximately 226,000 tons of sodium nitrate 
in U. S. and 120,000 tons in Chile. 



■. .1 I . i 



No. 6 J 






February 24, 1919. 



Interior Dept. 



Commerce Der>t. 



Sec. Lane has appointed a commission of five mining and met- 
allurgical experts from Bureau of Mines and Geologic .1 Survey- 
to visit 'Europe to observe and study reconstruction methods in 
devastated regions of France and Belgium . 

Dept. announces that the agency created by Sec. Redffeld to 
carry out the program of stablizing basic commodity prices has 
been officially designated as the Industrial Board of the Dept. 
of Commerce. 



Council of Nat'l 
Defense 



1. House Committee on appropriations in Sundry Civil Bill, report- 
ed Feb. 22, asked funds for Council of National Defense for 
next fiscal year. Council stands alone in group of war agens.es 
cies composed of War Industries Board, War Trade Board, Food 
and Fuel Administrations, for which appropriations were made. 

2. In statement authorized Feb. 24. Director G. B. Clarkson out- 
lined reorganization of Council on peace-time basis. 



American Red Cross 
1. 



H. P, Davison outlined international Red Cross plan of five 
allied societies for world welfare at public dinner in Paris 
Feb. 21. Mr. Davison has been named chairman of a committee 
of Red Cross societies representing the organizations in the 
U. S., Great Britain, Italy, France and Japan, "to formulate 
and propose to the Red Cross societies of the world a program 
of extended Red Cross activities in the interest of humanity." 



l"ar Trade Board 



Shipping Board 



2. American Red Cross announces that it will conduct country-wide 
campaign in March and hopes to obtain 10, 000 tons of clothing, 
shoes and blankets. Campaign organized in response to request 
of Herbert Hoover, head of European Relief Administration, v\ho 
cabled to American Red Cross that an immediate supply of cloth- 
ing of every kind is absolutely vital to the health and life 
of "millions of men, women and children freed from the German 
yoke. " 

Board announces, for information of oxportars in U. S. , that 
it has been informed that Government of Cuba has placed an 
embargo upon all importations of wheat flour for 60 days. 

Chrm. Hurley stated in Chicago Feb. 22 before members of Illi- 
nois Mnfr's Ass'n. that he expected to see an American Merchant 
Marine carrying the American flag into every port of the world. 
Increased wages and demand for labor, especially in Europe, and 
better conditions in American were to be ejrpected during the 
reconstruction period, Mr. Hurley said. 



■JC'V 



No. 63 



-3- 



Fabruary 34, 1919. 



Finance 






FOREIGN 
Medical 



J. P. Morgan & Co. announce Feb. 33 the organization of an 
international committee of 20 bankers » 10 from J. 9. and 5 aac 
from England and France - "for the purpose of protecting the 
holders of the securities of the Mexican Hepublic and of the 
various railway lines of Mexico, and generally such other entar 
prises as have their field of action in Mexico." 



Cable dispatch from London Feb. 23 statas that in view of the 
impending establishment of the Ministry of Health and its con~ 
quent effect on Medical profession, a mass meeting of London 
physicians was held in London Feb, 23 and by a vote of 307 to 
30 passed a resolution favoring immediate organization of the 
profession on a trade-union basis. 



Trade 



British War Trade Board announces that general licenses author- 
izing the resumption of trade 5 with Turkey, including Turkey in 
Europe, Asia Minor, Armenia, Kurdistan. Mesopotamia, Syria, 
and Bulgaria will be issued. Trade with the Russian Black Sea 
ports will also be resumed. 



Trade Relations 



Advices to State Dept. from Italy state that the Italian Minis- 
ter of Commerce has notified all Italian chambers of commerce 
that restrictions for trade with Bulgaria, Turkey, and the 
Black Sea ports h^ve been lifted and trade with those countries 
may now be resumed. 



V 




COUNCIL OF NATIONAL DEFENSE 
Reconstruction Research Division 

DAILY DIGEST OF 
No. 62. 





February 
INSTRUCTION NEWS 



1919. 



Executive 

U, S. Congress 



Treasury Dept.. 



Pres. Wilson Feb. 25 signed War Revenue Bill carrying taxa- 
tion of $6,000,000,000. 

li House Judiciary Committee Feb. 24 approved measure making 
effective next July 1 act barring any beverage containing 
more than ^ of 1% alcohol* 

2. Senate Military Sub- Commit tee Feb. 24 inserted in billion- 
dollar Army Appropriation measure making provision for a tem- 
porary army of 538,498 officers and men after next July 1, as 
recommended by War Dept. 

3. Appropriation of- $626,000,000 for continuation of work of 
Shipping Board and Emergency KLeet Corp- was tentatively 
approved by House during consideration Feb. 24 of Sundry 
Civil Bill for next fiscal year. Other appropriations passed 
tentatively included $2,000,000 for Federal Bo^.rd of Vocational 
Education, $1,655,000 for Federal Trade Commission, $4,595,600 
for It C. C. and *300,000 for Tariff Commission. 

4. Senate Agricultural Committee Feb. 24 approved legislation 
for the regulation of the meat packing industry and ordered 
reported Kerdrick bill providing for regulation of refrigerator 
cars by I. C, C», licensing of packers' facilities, and divorc- 
ing of stock yards from control by packing companies. 

5. Bill paased by Senate and sent to House Feb. 25 appropriating 
$1,000,000 for survey and classification of all unentered 
public lands and cut-over, logged or other unused lands owned 
by Government, with view of disposing of them to discharged 
soldiers and sailors. 

6. A bill by Sen. Spencer authorizing Sec. 6f War to acquire lands 
in France for cemetery for Americans who lost their lives in 
war, was passed Feb. 24 by Senate and sent to Kou?e. French 
government has offered to provide site, which will be known 

as"The American Field of Honor." 

e 

7. Two pieces of legislation for memorials at National Capital 
honoring military achievements of war were considered by 
House Committees Feb. 24. One related to erection of a 
memorial arch at cost of $5, 000, 000; the other urged provision 
of $1,000,000 for erection of memorial armory. 

1. Sec. Glass announced Feb. 24 another issue of Treasury certi- 
ficates to jbave the way for payment of income taxes. No. 
specific amount is set. 

3. Bureau of Internal Revenue Feb. 25 issued regulations modifying 
many provisions which threatened unrest among foreign-born 
populations of some industrial oanters last year. 



No. S3 -3- February 35, 1919. 



War Dept« 1. Department gives statistics showing results in physical bane- 
fit among nearly 350,000 men who passed through Army Develop- 
ment battalions. 

3, Department announced Feb. 34 that deaths during the war in the 
A. E. F, and aaong troops in U. S. from all causes numbered 
107,444. 

Interior Dept. In support of his request for immediate legislation to make 

public lands available for farm settlement by returning fight- 
ing men, Sec . Lane sent to each member of House and Senate 
Feb. 34 a list of 1,000 soldiers, sailors and marines who have 
written to Department asking what chance they had for making 
homes under Department plan. 

Labor Dept» 1. Sec. '"ilson issued statement Feb. 34 appealing to the country 

"to get business going and keep it going", declaring that labor 
organization were in a better position to resist reductions in 
wages than they have b^en before and asserting that it would be 
short-sighted for any business man to run the chance of destroy- 
ing his industry for the opportunity of a brief period of lower 
wages and cheaper materials* 

3, Bureau of Naturalization Feb. 35 asked cooperation of public 
in persuading aliens to attend American public schools, in its 
campaign to make citizens of its foreign-born residents. 

Civil Service Commission issues announcement Feb. 35 stating that in reoog- 
Comnission nition of services of civil-service employees who entered 
military or naval service during war, Commission will make 
special effort to assist these men in securing suitable posi- 
tions in government service rather than to leave upon them 
entire burden of finding work. 

Shipx ing Board 1. Board allotted 8 more vessels Feb. 34 to European Civilian Re- 
lief Commission Feb. 34, bringing total of American tonnage 
assigned to that work to more than 900,000. 

3. John Barrett, Dir. Gen. Pan-American Union, Feb. 34 urged Ship- 
ping Board to establish direct steamship lines between south 
Atlantic and Gulf ports of U. 3, and South America. 

American Red 1. War Council of American Red Cross Feb. 34 appropriated 

Cross $3,000,000 to cover relief work in Poland during six months 

ending July 31. Red Cross work will supplement that of Hoover 
commission to Poland* 

3. Red Cross announced Feb. 3t that the next of ] in of ovary sol- 
dier buried in France, vhose grave can be identified, is tc 
receive a photograph of th--t resting place taken by Red Cros . 



! I 



No. 62 



-3- 



February 35, 1919. 



Education 



Labor 



Shipping 



Veterans' Ass'n. 



FOREI G N 
Diplomacy 



Labor 



Trade 



Fourteen southern colleges have signified their willingness to 
receive as "War Specials" discharged soldiers not prepared for 
college but who aspire to a more advanced training. 

As; result of agreement reached at conference in Washington Feb. 
24 between representatives of Building Trades' Ass'n., the 
Union, and Secretaries of War and Labor, all workmen on strike 
in N. Y. building trade dispute and all other sympathetic 
strikers were ordered back to work. 

Sen. Ransdell predicted in Senate Feb, 24 that within a few 
months Shipping Board would own one-half ocean going merchant 
vessels in U. S. over 500 gross tons each, and that by 1920 
ship construction in U, S* would have increased total tonnage 
under American Flag to apprsximately 19,000,000 tons. 

Incorporation under laws of New York of V'orld War Veterans' 
Ass'n., a proposed national organization for purpose of banding 
together veterans of all branches of service, aiding them to 
obtain employment, etc., was announced in New York Feb. 22. 
Board of directors include Ralph M. Easley and V, Hverit Macy. 

According to advices received at Washington, Brazil's foreign 
office has established a pan-American Bureau as a division of 
its organization. Through this Bureau Brazil proposes to 
crystallize her support of the doctrine of pan-Ansrican 
solidarity. 

1. Premier Lloji George introduced bill to British Parliament 

Feb. 24 urging formation of committee to inquire into conditions 
prevailing in coal industry. Declared United Kingdom is faced 
with prospects, of civil strife and House of Commons should do 
everything in its power to avert it. 

Press dispatch from London states th^t Irish linen manufacturers 
have decided to form an organization to be known as the Irish 
Linen Corp., and have appropriated $450,000 to conauct a prop- 
aganda campaign in U. S. and England during next three years. 



COUNCIL OF NATIONAL D^I 
Reconstruction Research Division / February 36, 1919. 

DAILY DIGEST OF RECONSTRUCTION NEWS 



No. 63 

4 



)FFFNSE 
Division / 

ILY DlGE 



Executive 1. A'nossage from Pr3s Wi/son to Congress Fib. 25 announced th-t 

he had approved 28 bi/ls _aid joint resolutions passed by Con- 
gress during his abs/nce overseas. 

r' 

2. Reported in press of Feb. 25 that Pres. Wilson is determined 
to have Congress pass Naval Appropriation Bill carrying 

$746, 000, 000 for 3 year building program framed by Sec. Daniels, 

U. S. Congress 1. Debate on Diplomatic and Consular Bill carrying appropriations 

totaling 89,375,844 and providing for appointments of Ministers 
to new nations of Poland =*nd Szecho-Slovakia was begun yester- 
day in Senate. Provisions for appointment of new Ministers 
were accepted. 

3. Senate Interstate Commerce Committee Feb. 25 unanimously 
ordered favorable report on Cummins Bill restoring fall rate 
powers to I. C, C. It places same authority in the Commission 
to revise set aside or suspend rates that it r osse>;sed before 
Gov't, took over roads. 

3. A favorable report was ordered Feb. 25 by Senate CcmmBrce 
Committee on bill introduced by Sen. Fl jtchwr d.ut nor i sing 
Gov't, acquisition and operation of Cape Cod Cctnal at cost not 
to exceed $10,000,000. 

4. Enactment of House bill giving R. R. Adam. $750,000,000 for 
it3 Revolving Fund was urged Feb. 25 before Senate Appropria- 
tions Committee by Dir. Gen. Hines and Sec. Glass. 

5. Conferees on the oil leasing bill eliminated from the measure 
Feb, 34 -nrovisions extending the bill to include both the leas- 
ing and sale of Alaskan coal land. 

St.vte Dept. 1. Advices to Dept. state that British Admiralty has announced 

suspension of examination service at all British Umpire points 
except Firth of Forth, Cromarty, and Scapa Flow. 

2. Dept. has received cablegram from Paris stating that French 
Gov't, has not given permission for holding in Paris of a Pan- 
African Congress. 

Treasury Bgpt. 1. Sec. Glass mj.de appeal Feb. 25 to American people to pay cheer- 
fully the higher war taxes which went into effect yesterday 
with signature by Pres. "/ilson of new Revenue Bill. 

3. According to estimate of Treasury based on incomplete knowledge 
of what war debt will be, it will cost American people ^bout 
$1, 200, 000, 000 a year for next 25 years to pay off the war deb 



No. 63 -3- February 36, 1912. 



Treasury Dspt. 3. A now credit of $15,000,000 for Serbia, authorized Feb. 35 

by Treasury, raised Serbia's loans from U. S. to $37,000,000 
and loans of all Allies from U. S. to $8,674,567,000. 

War Dept. 1. Press of Feb, 36 states that announcement by General Parshing't 

Chief of Staff that 18 Nat'l Guard and Nat'l Amy Divisions 
are scheduled to sail from France before July 1 apparently 
confirms reports that A. L'« F, is to be reduced to a total 
strength of 300,000 by end of ourrent fiscal year, 

it Announced Feb. 35 that War Dept. is taking immediate steps 

toward writing history of American Army in great War. To this 
end Sec. Baker has issued a Bulletin to Army calling upon of- 
ficers or others in service, or who have been discharged, and 
who have information of value in connection with this history, 
to communicate with Historical Branch of .Army War College. 

3. C. of N. D. received Bulletin Feb, 36 entitled "Compilation of 
Circulars Containing Information and Instructions Relating to 
Demobilisation of the Army." Dat9 Dec. 31, 1918, and contains 
orders to that date. 48 pps. Index. 

4. Marlen Pew, Dir. War Dept. News Bureau, issues warning against 
swindlers telegraphing soldiers' next of kin for funds, in 
Official Bulletin, Feb. 35. 

5. Statistics Branch, General Staff, issues statistics showing 
*the approximate time interval between the assignment of units 

in A. T. F. to priority for early convoy and actual sailing, iv 
table, Official Bulletin, Feb. 35. 

6. Dept. announces that the "Honorable Discharge" emblem to be 
issued by War Dept. will be bronze lapel button somewhat 
similar to C-.A«R» button. It is the intention of Gov't, to 
distribute button free of charge to all entitled to it. 

Interior Dept. Electric devices perfected by Bureau oif Standards for War and 

Navy Dept. during past 3 years were shown to be far superior 
to those used by Allies or Germany, as demonstrated by view 
of those deviee3 placed on exhibition at Washington Feb. 35, 
and described by Dr. E. B. Rose, Chief Pnysicist. 

Labor Dept. 1. Invitation to attend a conference at the White House Mar. 3 and 

4, to discuss "vital questions affecting business and labor, " 
was telegraphed by Sec. Wilson Feb. 35, to Governors of all 
States and Mayors of over a hundred cities. 

3. War Labor Board Feb. 35 announced an award by ,7 . Everit -'acy, 
acting as umpire for that Board, granting Marine workers on all 
N. Y. Harbor craft operated by Gov't., and the Red Star Towing 
and Transportation Co., a shorter working day, with present 
rates of pay, but denying request of workers by their strike 
for direct wage increase. 



No. 63 



-3- 



February 26, 1919. 



Shipping Board 1. Chas. Piez, I)ir. Gen. of Emergency Fleet Corp., announced Feb. 

35 that shipyards throughout country are employing soldiers anc 
sailors who are being discharged, and that new policy has re- 
sulted in an extremely high type of labor becoming available. 

2. Chas. Piez stated Feb. 35 that labor agreements between ship>- 
yard operators and employees made by Board's Adjustment Comtrds^ 
sion during waf and expiring March 31 will be superseded by a 
system designed to "stop pampering the yards and cuddling the" 
men." Dir. Piez said, "Any increase in ship construction costs, 
from now on will be met by cancellation of ship contracts." 

War Trad9 Board 1, Board announces Feb. 34 that it has authorized announcement by 

Textile Alliance (Inc.) of termination of "Loan Bag" arrange- 
ment. 



Labor 



3, Board announces that a new series of import certificates are 
being issued by the Statens Handels Koomission in Sweden, bear- 
ing serial numbers beginning with USA- 100. 

1, Amer. Labor Delegation in Paris, headed by Sam'l Gonpers, sent 
cablegram to A.F, of L. headquarters Feb. 35 urging that Gov't 
and private building be resumed immediately, and that all ships 
35$ or more conpleted be finished at once^ thereby relieving 
labor situation. 



2. Report in Wall St. Journal Feb. 2 5 states that minimum of 
$18,000,000 and probably $33,000,000 will be available fc 
building in N. Y. State this year. 



for road 



FOREIGN 
Diplomatic 



Finance 






German Colors 



Assoc. Press dispatch to Wash. Post Feb. 36 states tftat it was 
learned Feb. 25 that information had reached here from authori- 
tative sources that between 70 and 80 treaties, agreements and 
understandings were in existence ^nd operation between. i Japan 
and China. While exact terms of all tnese treaties are not 
known, according to this information, each strengthens Japan's 
influence in China. 

1. London cable to Journal of Commerce says Gov't's policy with 
regard to new Capital issues will be to enlarge Treasury Com- 
mittee, permitting it to work in 3 groups. Restrictions are 
to be continued during Reconstruction period* 

3. Wall St. Journal Feb. 35 states that Harbert Gibbs, London 
banker, says Germany can pay $3,1)00,000,000 annually. 

Cable dispatch from London states that German Codt ittee, which 
has replaced the Bundesrat, has decided that the future German 
national colors shall be black, red, and gold. 



COUNCIL OF NATIONAL DEFENSE 
Reconstruction Research Division February 27, 1919. 

DAILY DIGEST OF RECONSTRUCTION NEWS 
No. 64 



Executive 1. Pres. Wilson and members of the Foreign Relations Ccmudttees 

of the two houses of Congress learned the views of each other 
Feb. 36 at White House Dinner, Pres. is reported to have 
explained many points which have been subjects of debate in 
Congress and to have said that the League of Nations vir- 
tually exists now, 

2. Pres. Wilson, in submitting to the House Feb. ^26 recommenda- 
tions of Nat'l Advisory Committee for Aeronautics for legis- 
lation placing the licensing regulaiion of Aerial navigation 
in charge of Dept. Of Commerce, declared he "fully approved 
the suggested legislation." 

3. Pres. Wilson, Feb. 36, nominated Hugh Campbell Wallace of 
Washington State to be American Ambassador to France. 

U. 3. Congress 1, The *7 20, 000,000 Naval Appropriation Bill, with its new 3 yr. 

building program, was ordered favorably reported Fab. 36 by 
Senate Naval Committee without a dissenting vote. 

3. Congress put finishing touches to Executive, Legislative and 
Judicial Appropriation Bill Feb. 36t This grants a bonus of 
$340 to Federal and D. of C. government employees receiving 
up to $3500. 

3. Chrm. Kitchin Feb. 36 called a meeting of House Ways and 
Means Committee to draft a resolution for repeal of the 
Luxury Tax Section of the $6,000,000,000 War Revenue Act, 

4. The deadlock between the House and Senate on bill legalizing 
informal war contracts ssas broken Feb. 36 with a compromise 
agreement limiting the amendment providing for settlement of 
claims growing out of thesi&EuSaiion of mineral production 
to manganese, chrome, pyrites and tungsten. 

5. Sec. Baker asked Congress Feb. 26 for a deficiency appropria- 
tion of $839,337,300 to pay for the subsistence of the Army 
overseas during the remainder of present fiscal year. 

6. A favorable report on the bill to appropriate $100,000,000 
to make reclaimed public lands available for settlement by 
discharged soldiers and sailors was ordered Feb. 36 by the 
Senate Public Lands Committee after Sec. Lane had appealed 
for action on the ground that this was a great reconstruc- 
tion measure. A similar bill has been reported to the House. 

7. Victory Liberty Lo^n bill was passed by House Feb. 36 with 
three dissenting votes. 

8. A Senate bill providing for the conversion of the term insur- 
ance issued by War Risk Insurance Bureau to men in military 
service during war into various forms of ordinary insurance 
was ordered favorably reported Feb. 36 by House Interstate 
Commerce Committee. 



No, 64 -2- Febnuary 27, 1919. 



International Cable from London Feb, 35 states that Great Britain and U. 3. 

already have reached definite agreement upon use of U boats in 
future wars, whatever may be final compromise with French on 
subject of disposition of German fleet at Scapa Flow. Dispatch 
states that U. 5. and Britain doom submarines in connection 
with world's armament. . 

Treasury Dept. Sec. Glass sent telegram Feb. 26 to Kat : l Education Ass'n. 

meeting in Chicago urging school authorities to teach thrift 
to children this year in connection with War Savings Campaign. 

War Dept. In Dept. issued statistics Feb. 27 showing that between Nov. 11 

1918, and Feb. 14, 1919. a total of 7,658 airplane engines and 
798 planes were shipped to Army depots and store houses. 

2. Lt. Col, B. C, Go9S, head of Sales and Salvage Section of Army 
Chemical Warfare Division, declared Feb. 26 that Army gas masks 
are of no value in protecting coal miners against mine gases 
and only of slight value in protecting workers from ammonia 
fumes, He issues a general warning against their use for 
these purposes. 

Justice Dept. Stated in Washington Feb. 26 that U. S. Secret Service during 

war was made up of more than 260 5 000 men, including members of 
volunteer auxiliary agencies. 

Post Office Dept, In response to Senate inquiry as to cost of war to several 

departments of Government, the report of the P. 0. Dept, shows 
that the war has entailed upon that Dept. approximately 
$52,766,976 above expenditures for its ordinary service. 

Interior Dept. With the approval of Pres. Wilson of a bill authorizing Sec. 

of Interior to investigate domestic deposits of lignite and 
peat, in an effort to develop commercial uses for them, Bureau 
of Mines stated Feb. 26 that it is prepared to proceed immed- 
iately with the location of an experimental plan in either the 
southern field of Texas or the northern field in Montana and 
the Dakotas. 

Labor Dept. 1. Governors of 15 states, Lt. Governors of 2, and Mayors of 32 

cities thus far have accepted invitation of Sec, Wilson to 
attend White House Conference beginning March 3 for discussion 
of business and labor problems* 

2. An increase in unemployment in U. S. is reported by U. S. Em- 
ployment Service for current week, but conditions in South 
are favorable. Amount of unemployment is given as 340.197, an 
increase of 18,412 over last week. 

3, C. of N. D. received Feb, 26 series of 3 reports on Housing 
presented to 0. M. Eidlitz, Pres. of U. S. Housing Corp., 
by W. E, Shannon, Mgr. , Bureau of Industrial Housing and 
Transportation, for incorporation in reports to Congress. Re- 
ports cover houses commandeered in Washington, D. C, for use 
of war workers and gives further information relating to r ea'. ; . 
estate conditions in Washington as affected by war, 



Wo. 64 



-3- 



February 2?, 1919 



Council of Nat'l Defense Council issued Organization Chart Feb. 26, 191S, outlining 

divisions of Council, tixeir inter-relation, vvitn functions 
and chief personnel of each. 



Shipping Board 



War Trade Board 



In effort to obtain reasonable price, Emergency Fleet Corp. 
has asked forbids on 31,209,482 barrels of fuel oil to be 
used in government -owned steamships which are under charter 
to private operators. 

Board announced Feb. 26 that practicallj unrestricted ex- 
ports to Greece are now permitted, and a long list of com- 
i.iodities are no longer subject to any French import re- 
strictions. 



Demobilisation 



Labor 



Press dispatch from New Yorl: Feb. 26 states tnat the con- 
tinued influx of soldiers into that city after being dis- 
charged in nearby cavips has caused Sheriff Knott to address 
a letter to Sec. of War recommending the adoption of the 
demobilization system now employed in the Navy. 

Press dispatch from Paris Feb, 26 states that Samuel Gcmpers, 
in behalf of American Labor Delegation there, 1ms cabled 
Pres. Wilson expressing approval of Kenyon Bill appropriat- 
ing $100,000,000 for cooperation of Federal Government with 
the States in relieving unemployment.- 



COUNCIL OF NATIONAL DEFENSE 
Reconstruction Research Division 




February 38. 1919. 
T/ MISCONSTRUCTION NEWS 



No. 65 



/ 



I 

Executive 1. Pres. Wilson Feb. 27 accepted invitation to speak in New York 

Mar 4. Former Pres. Taft is expected to be a speaker atssame 
meeting, which will be held under auspices of non-partisan 
committee of representatives of various societies advocating 
formation of a League of Nations. 

2. A, Mitchell Palmer, Custodian of Alien Property, has been selec- 
ted by Pr?a. Wilson to succeed Attorney General Gregory. 

3. Norman Hapgood, of N. Y., was nominated Feb. 27 to be Minister 
to Denmark, succeeding Dr. Maurice Egan. 

U. S. Congress 1. Pres. of U, S. and Senate apparently reached a deadlock Feb, 27 

with no evidence of an attempt at conciliation on either side. 

2. Administration bill, appropriating $1,000,000,000 to fulfill 
Government's guaranteed wheat price to farmers for 1919 crop, 
jiassed by Senate, Feb. 28. 

3. The general deficiency bill, carrying additional departmental 
appropriation of $26,799,171, was introduced in House Feb. 27 
by Chrm. Sherley, of Appropriations Committee, who asked for its 
immediate consideration. 

4. That Gen. Pershing has been ordered by War Dept. to return for 
revision by Judge Advocate Gen'l all court martial cases pend- 
ing in France and has refused to comply with order vvas revealed 
in House Feb. 27 by Rep. Royal Johnson. 



International 



Treasury Dept. 1. 



2. 



Interior Dept. 



Labor Dept. 



Cable dispatch from Paris Feb. 27 states that at that day's 
session of Peace Conference on motion by American delegates 
it was decided to organize a central commission for territorial 
questions. 

Revenue Act provides that each service man honorably discharged 
since Nov. 11, or who may hereafter be so discharged, is to re- 
ceive a bonus of $60. 

Under new Revenue Bill, physicians, dentists, druggists and 
manufacturers or dealers oho sell or administer narcotic drugs 
are required to register and pay license taxes to Revenue col- 
lectors. 

Dr. P. P. Claxton, Commissioner of Education Feb. 27 urged the 
building of more school-houses as one of the most vital neces- 
sities of the period of readjustment. 

Dispatch from New York Feb. 27 states that Dr. Geo. W, Kirch way, 
State Dir. of U. S. Employment Service reported Feb. 27 that 
according to latest reports from 14 industrial c enters unemploy- 
ment in N. Y. state is increasing at an alarming rate, and the 
resultant unrest among the jobless is such as to causa grave 
concern. 



, I 



•sc&x 



,*.. 



No. 65 



_:>.. 



Fob. 28, 1919. 



Federal Trade 
Commission 



Commission announced Fob. <ff that it will take action to curb 
activities of .persons or corporations seeking to exchange 
fraudulent securities or those of doubtful value for Liberty 
Bonds and other Gov't war certificates. 



American Red 
Cross 



National organization has issued a call for 200 trained men to 
aid in recreational work for convalescing American soldiers, 
sailors and marines in about 50 reconstruction hospitals in 
this country. Men needed include band and orchestra leaders, 
dramatic instructors and men to promote games. 



Labor 



FOREIGN 
Health 



Labor 



Dispatch from New York Feb. 27 states that All unions connect- 
ed with Marine ,: 'orkers' Affiliation voted to roject award of 
8-hour day, without wage increase, made by V. Ever it Macy, 
Nat'l War Labor Board umpire in Harbor Strike of last December. 



Cable dispatch from London, Fob. 27 states that Dr. Christoph- 
er Addison, Pros, of Local Gov't. Board, in moving in House 
of Commons, the second reading of the bill to create a Ministry 
of Hoaltb, asserted that in October, November and December 
of last year, mortality from influenza in United Kingdom was 
as high as average monthly losses during war from war causes. 

1. Dispatch from London Feb. 27 states that Industrial Conferenco 
adopted resolution by Arthur Henderson for application of a 
joint temporary Committee to be composed of 30 laborites and 
30 capitalists, to make tnorough investigation into question of 
hours, wages, general conditions of work, unemployment and its 
prevention and best means for promoting relations between cap- 
ital and labor. 

2. Cable dispatch from London Feb. 27 states that International 
Seafarers' Federation adopted $75 monthly as proper standards 
wage for seamen and firemen, with older ratings paid in pro- 
portion. 



Rehabilitation 



Press dispatch from Paris Feb. 27 states that Budget Committee 
of Chamber of Deputies has drawn up a report fixing damages 
caused by war in France at 119,801,000,000 francs. 




COUNCIL OF NATIONAL DEFENSE 
Reconstruction Research division March 1, 

DAILY DIGEST OF RECONSTRUCTION NEWS 
No # 66 . 



1919. 



Executive 



U. S. Congress 



International 



Treasury Dept. 



War Dept i 



Addresses by Pres. Wilson, Secretaries Baker, Daniels, Lane 
and Wilson, and Senators Kenyon of Iowa apd Owen of Oklat are 
on tentative program of conference of governors and mayors to 
be held in Washington next week, Sessions Monday and Tuesday 
will be held ih East Room of White House and Wednesday at 
Dept. of Interior. 

1. Differences between Democratic and Republican leaders over 
legislative situation may be forced to an issue today in 
Senate with calling up of Victory Loan Bill. 

3. House Feb. 38 passed Sundry Civil Lill for $850,000,000 and 
General Deficiency Bill, carrying $37,771,000, with various 
riders, 

3. Final action was taken Feb. 38 in Senate on bill providing for 
Decennial Census of 1930. Conference report, recently adopted 
by House, was approved by Senate. 

4. "Americanization" bill reported favorably to Senate Feb. 28 by 
Sen. Hoke Smith from Committee on Education and Labor. Pro- 
poses that Federal Gov't, aid in promoting education of illit- 
erate persons unable to speak English and other residents of 
foreign birth. 

Cable dispatch from Paris Feb. 28 states that Andre Tardieu, 
one of Francs^ delegates to Peace Conference informed news- 
paper correspondents that there is no longer any question of 
going on with the Prinkix^o Conference. 

Cessation of War activities permitted government expenses in 
February to drop to little more than half the rate for past 
3 months. Treasury reported its outlay in February at 
$1,065,000,000 which may be increased to approximately 
$1,150,000,000 by finalreports. 

1. In making formal denial Feb. 38 that Gen. Pershing had refused 
to obey general orders relative to revision of court-martial 
cases in France, as asserted in House by Rep. Johnson, War 
Dept. disclosed that Ccnroander-in-Chief had protested against 
orddr. 



2. New regulations issued Feb. 38 by War Dept. are designed to 
prevent authorized waaring of uniforms and chevrons, and to 
clear up confusion in minds of discharged officers and soldier.- 
as to their right to wear service uniforms in civil occupation^ 

3. Cable dispatch from Coblenz Feb. 28 states that American offi- 
cers and men who are going to British and French universities 
as soldiers on detached service have been selected a,nd will 
proceed immediately to different universities assigned them. 



i: 

r 



. . . . Jl i 



v .. 



. . '. 



"i . .. it- 



. ■ 



r. i .• . 



■ 






.. ii. 


1 £•* ! 


ft; 




. 


r -r i 






. 1 




£ 





,r • 












v-. ■ ... 



u.-.-.v 



... ■< ! : 



.•:'-'i I 



No. 56 -3- March 1, 1919. 



War Dept. 4. Establishment by an American-built and assigned airplane of 

what officials believe are new world's records for speed and 
climbing ability was disclosed yesterday with receipt by War 
Dept. of results of preliminary tests of a machine constructed 
at Ithaca, N. Y. 

5. Weekly report of Sur. Gen. Ireland for week ending Feb. 31 
•shows that although health conditions among troops in r J. S. are 
shown to be satisfactory a large number of pneumonia cases con- 
tinue to be reported from A. E« F. 

6. Maj. R. N. Yerkes, Chief, Section of Psychology, Sur. General's 
Office, Feb., 38, advocated separation of mental "sheep" from 
the "goats" among pupils in public schools. After fifth grade, 
Maj. Yerkes said, Army trade tests should be taken by all pu- 
pils to determine those who could follow to best advantage me- 
chanical or other special tradea> 

7. First woman to win American Army's Distinguished Service Medal 
is Miss Beatrice MacDonald of Reserve Nurse Corps, who .i&s 
seriously wounded while remaining at her post with wounded men 
at casualty station during German nignt raid. 

8. Dir, of Sales has issued contract with various lumber distribu- 
tors for all surplus lumber in War Dept. on projects where 
there is any. considerable quantity of this lumber to be dis- 
posed of. 

9. Dept. announces that it has received from conscientious objec- 
tors as refusals ofp&y the sum of $4, 319 f 83. 

10. Maj. Gen. Crowder, Judge Adv. Gen. and Provost Marshal Gen. of 
Army, will leave shortly for Cuba in acceptance of invitation 
to advise with Cuban President and Congress on revision of 
election laws. 

lit Statistics Branch, General Staff, publishes table in Official 
Bulletin Fab. 37 showing health conditions in A. E. F. 

Interior Dept, In statement issued Feb. 38 Sec. Lane points out that jobs can 

be offered almost immediately for 100,000 soldiers if Congress 
appropriates money to open for settlement 1,500,000 acres of 
unused land. 

Bommeree Dept. Bureau of Census states that a joint influenza committee has 

been created to study the epidemic and to make comparable, so 
far as possible, influenza data gathered by Gov't. Pepts. 

Agriculture Dept. 1. Result of incomplete survey by D:rpt. showed that on Fab. 1 

U. S. was well stocked with following food products: Wheat, 
cereals, flour, and corn meal, wholesale grocers' good;, and 
canned goods. 






<;.. :.. f.....,-,; .1 



•3 ':!-. ■ 
•;-■-' he 



-. r * ■• . 



■• ..' *■' 

■'J '< " 



....: :. ;., ■■ ■ f 



'. *s .■•*. 









.' ... J. 



■< '; K ; ■ . X . ■ : . ;!•' : 
Li . '■•.•. . • r t"J 



.. . -t „..:.• ■■ : . 

.i, < a. :: i iJ !, ".v .; ." 

r < . .-: : , -i ;■;•■. 



•J •■•... 






» . . i 



. .:.; 'I 






..; <. 






: -,i :' 



; itii 



■l: ;: '-. 



..■■■. 






. :i . ■: 



No, 66 



~3- 



March 1, 1913. 



Agriculture Depti 2.Dept. states that cooperative moVk between Qnergency Fleet 

Corp. and Forest Products Laboratory of Forest Servic3 re- 
sulted in improvement of grading rules for ship timbers, and 
discovery of new woods for us3 as treenails, with new methods 
of wood presex-vation. 



Federal Reserve 
Baadd 



± * 'j4 • 



War Ind. Board 



H. R. Admn. 



Shipping Board 



War Trade Board 



Fi nance 



Foreign exchange transactions between T J, S. and Russia have 
been prohibited by Federal Reserve Board, and similar action 
has been taken by authorities of Great Britain and France. 
Board acted at request of State Lept. 

■Commission reported Feb. 28 that casualties on American railp 
roads during 1917 resulted in the death of 9,567 persons and 
injury of 7C, 970, During prsvious year 9,476 lives were lost 
and 66,962 persons were injured. 

Cable from B. M. Baruch states that the French Gov't is willing 
to allow sales to French merchants of $40,000,000 worth of 
machine tools and all -agricultural implements if commercial 
credits for one year can be arranged. Similar inquiry is 
going forward for large amounts of raw cotton. 

Dir. Gen. Hines announced Feb. 213 that railroads would not bo 
relinquished from government control until there had been an 
opportunity to see whether a constructive permanent program of 
legislation was likely to be adopted within a "reasonable time'.' 



Che 



Piez, Dir, Gen. of Emergency Fleet Corp,, said Fob. 28, 



in letter embodying decision on demands of Hog island foramen 
for higher pay, that shipbuilding by the Government must get 
back to a competitive basis. 

Board announce: that licenses will now be issued, *en applica- 
tions therefor are otherwise in order, for importation of ferro- 
manganese from all countries when it has been shown by conclu- 
sive evidence that such f erro-manganese was contracted for by 
American consumers prior to April 6, 1917. 

U. S. Mint in Philadelphia st .ted Feb. 38 that a shipment of 
8,253 bars of silver, to v alue $4,000,000, had been started 
to India. 



Labor 



Salvation Army 



Conference to be held in N. Y. Mar. 1 between representatives 
of K, P., Admn. and. Union leaders to outline plan which it is 
hoped may avert a tie-up of commerce of Port of New York by a 
renewal of the strike of 16,000 members of the Marine V'orksrs' 
Affiliation who have rejected award of V. Fverit Macy. 

'Command ;r-in- Chief Evangeline Booth stated in lecture before 
Nat'l Geographic Society Feb. 28 that the Salvation ^iray oved 
its success in war work to fact that its workers went into 
field inured to discomforts and aardsnips. "It is not ganeraL 
ly known that the S. A, has 39 training schools in which men 
ana women are trainod in many respects, all tending for ser- 
vice to humanity, " she said. 



i 



No. 66 -4- N&rch 1, 1919 



Tr»de Relations Cable dispatch from London Feb. 28 states that the "first in- 
dication of crumbling of British embargo wall against American 
products came today with unanimous resolution passed by London 
Chamber of ComLxerce Calling upon Gov't, immediately to remove 
import and export restrictions, especially from allied 
countries. ri 

War Memorials A general advisory committee on American war memorials, which 

includes sculptors, artists, educators and men in public life, 
has been appointed by American Federation of Arts. 

FOREIGN 

Education Tokio dispatcn states that Dr. Inazo Nitobe, Prof, of Colonial 

Admn. in Law College of Tokio Imperial University, together 
with a number of other scholars and publicists lias organized 
the Dawn Society in order to combat militarism and reaction! sm 
in Japan. 

Relief Cable dispatch from Peking Feb. 28 states that the members of 

Independence Committee, representing the Korean people living 
in China, have presented to American Minister a petition ask- 
ing that U. S. Govt, intercede with Peace Conference in behalf 
of Korean people. 

Trade Cablegram from American Ambassador Davis states that a ruling 

of British Board of Trade permits importation of ostrich 
feathers into United Kingdom fromUnion of So. Africa to value 
of $125,000 a month. 






COUNCIL OF NATIONAL DEFENSE 
Reconstruction Research Division March 3., 1919. 



DAILY DIGEST OF RECG T STRUCTION NFV r S 



No. 67. 




Executive T. W. Gregory, retiring Atty. Gen. of U.S., will accompany 

Pres. Wilson to Paris as general adviser and assistant at 
Peace Conference. 

U, S. Congress. 1» Necessary legislation incident to coming Victory Loan was pro- 
vided when Seriate, Mar. 2 passed $7,000,000,000 loan bill as it 
previously had been passed by House. This gives Sec. of 
Treasury authority to issue .short- tern notes up to 
$7,000,000,000, 

2. House tor. 1 passed without a record vote and sent to Senate . 
resolution providing for repeal of the Luxury Tax clause of 
War Revenue Bill. 

War Dept. 1. Gen. torch announced Mar. 1 that demobilization of the Army 

had released up to Feb, 28, 1,301,959 officers and men. Of 
the total 77,542 were officers < Demobilization orders now 
have reached a total of 1,571,000. 

2. Gen. torch issued figures tor. 1 showing that battle deaths 
during war among all participants, so far as available 
statistics show, are over 7,000,000. This represents only 
men killed in action or died of wounds. 

3. Gen. Pershing reported to Dept. torch 1 that 70,000 more 
officers and men in France nad enrolled for educational 
courses, directed by American and French authorities. This 
brings total number of soldier-students to 170,000. 

4. Announcement made tor. 1 that the special Commission of Judge 
Advocate General's Office, which is reviewing court -r.artial 
records with a view to reducing excessive sentences, lias 
reported on 55 cases. Sec. Baker stated Mar. 1 that Com-' 
mission! s recommendations in 44 of the cases had been approved. 

5. Dept. announces that disabled soldiers in France wno are 
eligible for discharge from service are being sent home as 
rapidly as transportation facilities will permit. 

6. Roc'd. oy Cv of Nat'l. Defense Mar. 3, "Economic Mobilization 
in the U.S. for War of 1917". Prepared by Economic Mobili- 
zation Section, Historical Branch, Monograph No. 2, Historical 
Branch, flar Plans Division, Gen. Staff, Doc. No. 835. Dec. 
1318, 39 pps. 

Justice Dept. A. M. Palmer, Alien Property Custodial., in report transmitted 

tor. 1 to Senate on administration of enemy-owned property 
worth $700,000,000, stated tnat continued liquidation of 
large German interests was necessary to prevent renewed at- 
tempts at commercial dominance by Germans. 

P. 0. Dept. P.M.G. Burleson advised U.S. Seriate tor. 1 that expenditures 

of the P.O. Dept. have been increased approximately .^52,735,000 
because of war, 



No. 67. 



-3- 



March 3, 1919. 



Navy Depti 



Agriculture Dept, 



Labor Dept. 



Council oi Nat'l 1. 
Defense 



2. 



Sec. Daniels Mar. 2 issued statement showing procedure to be 
followed in obtaining payment of $60 gratuity granted under 
new Revenue Bill to persons honorably discharged fro;., active 
duty in Naval establishment after service during war. 

Dept. issued statement War. 1, based on estimate of available 
funds, that approximately $500,000,000 will be spent on high- 
way construction during the coming season, giving employment 
to 100,000 men. 

Sec. Wilson outlines work of Labor Dept, in maintaining in- 
dustrial morale in U.S., in comprehensive article in Wash. 
Star, Mir. 2. 

Children's Bureau gives figures disclosing alarming condition 
of illiteracy among children applying for Federal certificates 
permitting them to work. 

Dr. Anna Howard Snaw, Chrm. of Woman' 6 Com., will address a 
convention of 1,000 delegates gathered in Chicago, Mar. 4-5, 
to discuss plans for community organization by Illinois Div. 
of Woman's Com. 

A conference has been called by State Council, at Lexington, 
Ky. , Mar. 4-5, to consider reconstruction problems and es- 
pecially to discuss plans for permanent Community Council 
organization. 



Snipping Board 



War Trade Board 



Relief 



Chas. Piez, Dir. Gen. of Emergency Fleet Corp., has announced 
his resignation, effective May 1* 

Board announced that Italy has removed embargo on shoes and 
leather. 

1. Herbert Hoover has been appointed by Pres. Wilson as Dir. Gen. 
of the American Relief Administration, created under the new 
$100,000,000 European famine relief bill, with full authority 
to direct furnishing of food stuffs and other urgent supplies 
and to arrange for their transportation, distribution and 
administration. 

2. Jno. F. Smulski, Coran'r. for Polish Gov't., stated Mar. 2 that 
for tne feeding of people of Warsaw alone 152,100 metric tons 
of food will be required till new crops come in. 



FOREIGN 
Education 



Japanese Ministry of Education has prepared a plan for exten- 
sion of higher education to cover the next six years and to 
cost about $22,000,000. 



. \ . 



■ '"M K-."iiT.: 



it... i-XI .4 

# , 4 */■- * 

- . * 






.tu V 



.j-.iCflE -* > ■, I 



•:>.-.,'. r 



' . ■ ■ i •■■' -v. -. ■ .Jl f'< 

.«;.'. .. i j ..,-)■■ L .j.-i. '....■ 



>■.-; ..-■•i'....r 



. ail3W»* 




-. 1 






-,c.j ■ sXc 



< ••»- 



■:■*»-...■. » . .i • . , : .. ., • 

/ .1.1 V I » v.- (v « ».»»-.* * . i. * 



4 - ■ O ,.-.»• ■ - " " 

:.. j . •• •■•;.:. „•* . ' -»i .'.; 
•I'j'i . •„ '.'..'J i' :•; ". 



» ■* - 



\< ♦ *• 



D J &; 



, gj ^ i 



! .-:v : it. ,•: 



v ' . -j.. 



t . v.- 



.' \ - 






.*.-!: : 



,: .> ... .. *■.. c . . . .. 
r.i -•■;.;,•'■; ,.; * 

. ; ■:.'■'. ■■:■, 



K I.. •. ... 



COUNCIL OF NATIONAL DEFENSE 
Reconstruction Researcn Division 

DAILY DIGEST OF RECONSTRUCTION NEWS 
No. 68. V ~ 




March 4, 191S 



/ 

Executive 1. In brief address before Governors of States and Mayors of 

municipalities, meeting Mar. 3 at White House to discuse 
alleviation of unemployment, Pres. Wilson emphasized the 
principle that Governments should serve in the interests 
of the common people, In this spirit he urged that Federal, 
State and local governments work together "in steadying and 
easing and facilitating the whole labor proaessess of the U.S." 

2. Pres. Wilson signed Victory Loan Bill March 3 authorizing 
Treasury to issue $7,000,000,000 in short-term notes and 
providing $1,000,000,000 for use of War Finance Corp. in 
stimulating country's foreign commerce. 

Pres. Wilson appointed Francis P. Garvan Alien Property 
Custodian, March 3, to succeed A. M. Palmer who becomes Atty. 
General today. 

Renewed controversy over League of Nations and long-threatened 
Republican filibuster on Legislation March 3 retarded passage 
of some of the most important Congressional measures. 

Senator Lodge, Republican Leader, introduced resolution Mar. 3, 
proposing that Senate go on record as opposing approval of 
constitution of League of Nations as now drawn and favoring 
immediate conclusion of peace with Germany without waiting 
for working out of League plan. 

3. Agreement reached March 3 by Senate Judiciary Committee to 
take no action, on legislation to enforce war-time prohibition 
which becomes effective July 1. 



3. 



U. S. Congress 1. 



2. 



4. 






International 1. 



Vice Pres. Marshall March 3 named 3 senators who will serve on 
joint commission for reclassification of salaries of Gov't, 
employees. They are Senators Jones, of New Mexico; Henderson 
of Nev. , and Spencer, of Mo. Members of House named by Speaker 
Clark are Represenatives Keating, Cooper and Hamlin. 

Cable dispatch from Paris Mar. 3 states that Peace Conference 
Committee on Reparation estimates that 24,000,000,000 pounds 
is amount which enemy countries ought to pay Allied and 
associated nowers. 



2. Cable dispatch from Paris Mar. 3 states that the Council oi 
the great powers considered the military, naval and aerial 
terma for disarmament of tne enemy. Main new point discussed 
was that enemy airplane restriction will be rigid. 



,,...•■•.. :■ ■' 

• ■ ■ » 



■ j 



No. 68 



-2- 



Murch 4.1&19 



State Dept. 
Treasury Dept. 



Dept, states that blockade of the coast of Asia Minor nas been 
lifted since Feb. 21, 

It Bureau of Internal Revenue issues statement outlining contri- 
butions deductible in computing net incomes. 

2, Bureau of Internal Revenue states that income-tax primers pre- 
pared by Bureau for information and assi&tance of tax-payers 
in making out returns are being shipped to collectors for dis- 
tribution, 

3. Sec. Glass, in communication to Senate Committee on Appro- 
priations, sets forth importance of securing adequate com- 
pensation for field force of Customs Service. 



War Dept. 



1. Sec. Baker said, in address Mar 3 at Convention of Governors'.' 
and Mayors, that Dept. is interested in measures to provide 
jobs for returning soldiers, and cold that Colt Arthur Woods, 
former Police Commissioner of N, Y, , had been Lade Spec. Asst. 
Sec- to perfect cooperation with Dept. of Labor and Council 

of Nat'l Defense for employment activities- 

2. Maj. Gen. Crowder, Judge Adv. Gen'l^, in letter to Sec, Baker 
makes specific denial of statements 'ns.de in Senate by Chrm. 
Chamberlain of Military Committee bor,h as to individual cases 
of alleged undue severtiy of treatment of military prisoners' 
and as to broader attack of Senator on whole American system 
of military justice. 

3. Purchase, Storage and Traffic Division, General Staff Office 
of Dir, of Finance, outlines terms for giving bonus of $60 
to men of Army and Navy in Official Bulletin of Mar. 3. 

4» Office of Dir. of Purchase and Storage states that Army re- 
serve stocks of food stuffs which were held in France to 
safeguard supply for troops in case of emergency are now 
being reduced. Large sales have been made to French and 
Belgian governments of beans, milk, rice, coffee and flour. 
Strongest demand is for evaporated milk. 



Navy Dept. 



Interior Dept. 



Sec. Daniels stated in address before Governors and Mayors at 
White House bonfercnce Mar. 3 that the constant building, re- 
pairing and altering of ships would offer employment to lar.~e 
numbers of men. As against 56,000 men employed in navy yards 
before the war, he said, there were today 92,000 employed, 
For Navy for next 2 months there will be no unemployment. 

Statistics and estimates of production of iron ore in 1918, 
compiled in U. S. Geological Survey, show a moderate decrease 
in output compared with high records of 1916 and 191V, 









No. 68 



-3- 



March 4, 1919. 



Labor Dept. 1. 



2. 



3. 



U. S. Nat'l Museum 



C. of N. D, 



R. R. Admn. 



War Trade Board 



Am. Red Cross 



Science 



HSJLEJLJLN 
Demobilization 



Sec. Wilson said, in address at Conference of Governors and 
Mayors at White House Mar. 3, that because of threatened short- 
age of work incident to slowness of demobilisation, "buffer" 
employment must be found. He pointed out the best means of 
furnishing this lies in Government immediately engaging in 
formal construction of public work, 

Officials of Dept. express opinion that a building program to 
involve the expenditure of about $12,500,000 on buildings for 
War Risk Insurance Bureau will do much in way of providing so- 
called "buffer" employment during transition period. 

Dept. announces that more than 75$ of the returning soldiers 
and sailors who need assistance in finding employment are 
being placed in jobs through U. S. Employment Service. 

Nat'l Museum is now assembling and has recently begun the 
installation of a collection of material relating to the war 
which will form one of the most important ever shown in Wash- 
ington, 

At White House Conference of Governors and Mayors Mar 3 Sec. 
Baker called attention to the effective cooperation given de- 
mobilization by C. of N. D. through its State Councils and 
Community Councils, and pointed cut that Defense system is 
cooperating closely with all Federal departments concerned 
to end of utilizing State, County, Municipal and Community 
Councils of Defense in finding employment for soldiers, 
sailors and war workers throughout the country. 

Dir. Gen. Hines sent letter to Chrm. Smith and Martin of 
Senate Committees on Interstate Commerce and Appropriations, 
and to Representatives Sims and Sherley, Chrm. of House Com- 
mittees, stating that Administration will not relinquish 
railroads suddenly or precipitately. 

Board announces that trade has been resumed with all ports of 
the Adriatic including all territory adjacent thereto under 
military occupation of Associated Governments, and Albania 
and Montenegro. 

H. P. Davison says that American Red Cross has over 17,000,000 
members, not counting 9,000,000 in {Junior Red Cross, as against 
500,000 at beginning of war work. American people contributed 
$400,000,000 in cash and supplies. 

Cable dispatch from London Mar. 3, states that Director of 
Marconi Wireless Co. predicts wireless telephone service be- 
tween London and New York within next few weeks. 



Cable dispatch from London states that British Army at home 
and abroad, exclusive of force in India, now numbers 2,500,000 
men and is being reduced to 852,000, according to a White 
Paper issued by Govt. March 1* 



•i WW 

■ 

- ■ K '■ ' 



■1 ... 




■ 



COUNCIL OF NATIONAL DEFENSE 
Reconstruction Research Division 

DAILY DIGEST 
No. 69 




JOtSTRUCTlON NEWS 



March 5, 1919 



Executive 



3, 



Pres. Wilson issued statement Mar. 4 in which he said: "A 
group of men in the Senate have deliberately chosen t A n ™ ■ 
barrass the administration of the Government, to impe . . 
the financial interests of the railway systems of the country, 
and to make arbitrary use of the powers intended to be em- 
ployed in the interest of the people." 

Dispatch from New York Mar. 4 states that Pres. Wilson told 
the American people in address there that evening that he 
was going back to Peace Conference to battle with renewed 
vigor for creation of a League of Nations. "The first thing 
I am going to tell the people on the other side is that an 
overwhelming majority of the American people is in favor of 
the League of Nations," he said. 

Sharp criticism of Congress for not passing Appropriation and 
other measures and of government departments for what was 
termed failure to cooperate to the fullest in providing em- 
ployment and in releasing raw materials, developed Mar. 4 
at White- House conference of Governors and Mayors called to 
consider labor and business problems. 



U. S. Congress 1. 



2. 



■When 65th Congress took its final adjournment at noon Mar. 4 
a vast amount of important business remained unfinished. 
These bills die with the Congress and must be introduced and 
considered in the new Congress, which the President will call 
in extra session when he returns from Europe, if not before. 
Among appropriation bills which failed are: Third Deficiency 
Bill; Army Bill, carrying $1,238,282,967; Navy Bill, carrying 
$824,708,521; Sundry Civil Bill, carrying $850,766,849; 
Agriculture Bill; District Bill, and Indian Bill. 

Although unsuccessful in efforts to record the Senate in 
favor of amendment of constitution of League of Nations as 
now drawn, Republican Senators succeeded in placing in Con- 
gressional Record a resolution approved by 39 of them opposing 
acceptance of cnarter in present form. Republican Leader 
Lodge and other spokesmen said Mar. 4 this was notice to Pres. 
and Peace Conference that the necessary two-thirds majority 
in the new Senate for ratification of the present plan could 
not be obtained. Democratic leaders privately expressed be- 
lief that amendments would be made soon after Pres. reached 
Paris. 



Treasury Dept. 



3. Joint Congressional Commission for study of classification 
d.nd salaries of employees of Federal Gov't, laid plans for 
work at initial meeting held March 4. 

War Risk Insurance Bureau issued announcement Mar. 4 stating 
that soldiers honorably discharged since Oct. 6, 1917, for 
disability incurred in line of duty and wx^o again become 
incapacitated because of such disability are entitled to free 
hospital care. 






No, 69. -2- March 5, 1919. 



War Dept. 1. Sec. Baker said that failure of Army Appropriation Bill and 

other military *ceu sure s to pass before Congress adjourned 
leaves War Dept. in a "difficult but not a serious situation." 
Mr, Baker said greatest' regret was that failure of Amy Re- 
organization bill meant that a number of the men of the war- 
time Army must remain in service for a longer time than would 
have been necessary otherwise. 

2, Dept. sent letter Mar. 4 to all persons and c orporations hold- 
ing informal contracts against Gov't, explaining the method 

of procedure in settlement of such claims under the Act signed 
by Pres. Wilson, 

3. Dept. made public statistics Mar, 4 showing that on Feb. 13 
there were 82,539 sick and injured soldiers remaining overseas. 
Of these, 19,966 were listed «is suffering from injury and 
62,573 from disease. 

Navy Dept. Sec. Daniels said Mar. 4 that failure of Congress to pass 

Annual Navy Appropriation Bill and the General Deficiency Bill 
made "a hard task much harder." Among other effects would be 
the prevention of the transfer of 1,000 naval reservists into 
permanent Navy, he said. 

Interior Dept. Bureau of Education has just issued Document entitled, 

"Cardinal Principles in Secondary Education". This is the 
chief document prepared by the Nat'l Education Ass' n. Comm'n, 
on the Reorganization of Secondary Education. 

Labor Dept. In public speech Mar. 4, Aaot. Sec. Post said that the wave 

of bolshevism would subside in a few years, but that there 
would be much unrest until reconstruction ideals had been 
actually realized. He predicted that prosperity would come 
sooner than most people believed, 

R. R. Admn. As result of Congressional failure to make $750,000,000 appro- 

priation, Dir. Gen, Hines made following statement Mar. 4: 
"The railroad situation is so complicated by this recent 
development, and there are so many possiblities, that I .can 
not say at this time what may be done with the railroads. It 
will take a good deal of consideration before a conclusion is 
reached. " 

Federal Board for 
Vocational Education Board issues figures showing progress in re-educating and 

placing the disabled soldiers, sailors and marines, According 
to statement contract was maintained in Feb. with 22,851 
service men. 

Labor Dispatch from New York Mar. 4 states that the strike of 16,000 

boat men in New York harbor, halted last January at cabled 
request of Pres. Wilson, has been resumed. 






. .-.: ! i 



1 .;' :sJ 



I - ■ i Hi.. 



• * 



• v ^'Cc,/ 




V : 



i - . "i ; : 







[M 



COUNCIL OF NATIONAL DEFENSE 
Reconstruction Research Division 

DAILY DIGEST OF RECONSTRUCTION NEWS 
•lo. 70. / 



March 6, 1919 



■ilxecutive 



Internet tional 



U. S. Congress 



State Dept. 



Post Office Dept. 



Navy Dept. 



Labor Dept. 



R. R. Admn. 



Pres. Wilson presented report to Congress Mar. 4 showing what 

has been done under authority granted in the Overman Act to 

coordinate or consolidate the Gov't, bureaus and agencies to 
promote efficiency. 

Cable dispatch from Paris Mar. 5 states that the question to 
be determined Mar. 6 relates to military and naval terms of 
enemy disarmament as framed by Marshal Foch and the joint 
military and naval advisers. 

Joint Congressional Commission'/'Taclassificution of government 
salaries, in conference March 5, decided to send to the 
several State and municipal governments and to private 
employers a list of questions designed to elicit information 
regarding working conditions, hours of labor, salary, etc. 
All heads of Gov't. Depts. also will be called upon to submit 
data. Conferring with Commission were H, D. Brown, of Federal 
Efficiency Bureau, and L. C. Steward, Pres. of Nat'l Federa- 
tion of Federal Employees. 

At request of Asst. Sec. Phillips, E. V. Barrington, formerly 
of Federal Trade Commission, will study organization and 
needs of State Dept. with view to coordinating and simplifying 
work wherever possible. 

Dept. announces issues of new 3^ stamp to be known t»s 
"Victory" stamp. 

Announcement made Mar. 6 that Sec. Daniels has called de- 
partmental council of various bureau heads to discuss situa- 
tion created by non-passage of Emergency Deficiency Bill. 
Most important item, so far as Naval establishment is con- 
cerned, was $5,000,000 appropriation for Bureau of Medicine 
and Surgery, lacking which important operations must be 
postponed. 

According to semi-official statement Mar. 5, U.S. Employment 
Service will suffer heaviest loss among bureaus of Dept. of 
Labor through failure of passage by Congress of Appropriation 
bills. Officials st~te that this agency will be unable to 
continue its activities for 20 days longer. 

Dir. Gen. Hines stated Mar. 5 that the Gov't has determined 
to retain control of railroads, despite failure of Congress 
to provide funds, and plans to have roads finance them- 
selves for next few months through private loans on the open 
market, or through advances by the War Finance Corporation. 

Orders of R. R. Admn. granting reduced passenger fares to 
officers, enlisted men and nurses of Army, Navy and Marine 
Corps are held justified in tentative report recently sub- 
mitted to Interstate Commerce Commission, 






. I ■'_ 



No. 70. -2- Ifcrch 6, 1919 



Am. Red, Cross 1. Declaring that the work of Red Cross has not ceased with end- 
ing of war, and that it would be nothing less than a national 
crime to allow organization built up under stress of war to 
dissipate its forces, earnest appeals for continued effort 
were made at meeting in Washington Mar„ 5 by Miss M. T» 
BoaSdman and Dr. L. Farrand, Chrm. of Central Committee. 

2, American Red Cross Mar, 5 announced donation of supplies 

valued at $1,553,982 to American Committee for Relief in Near 
East, 

Notes from Conference (a) Resolution submitted Mar, 5 sanctioned Gov't, approval of 
of Governors and price schedules as a step toward establishing a new 
Mayors basis of values. 

(b) Reduction of freight rates on all building material, es- 
pecially read material, was suggested. It was declared 
that reduction of wages should cone only as the result 
of reduced living costs, 

(c) Recomuendation was made that Federal Gov't, continue its 
"helpful offices 1 ' with view to averting "serious con- 
sequences" in the financial affairs of public utilities. 

(d) Settlement of Gov't, contracts, lifting of governmental 
restrictions on industry and materials as soon as 

•possible, and continuation of the Federal survey of 
natural resources started during the war, were asked. 



(e) Conference deplored discontinuance of Federal employment 
agencies and urged demobilization of Army by local draft 



boards. 

Labor 1, National Women's Trade Union League is sending two representa- 

tives to Paris Mar. 10 to speak before commissions considering 
labor matters, on advice of Pres. Wilson, Women selected are 
Miss Mary Anderson, Vice Chrm. of Washington Committee of 
Nat'l Women's Trade Union League and Asst. Dir. of Woman in 
Industry Service, Dept. of Labor, and Miss Rose Schneidermann, 
Pres. of Women's Trade Union League of N. Y. 

2. Dispatch from Cleveland, 0, , states that at meeting Mar. 5 
between national representatives of builders and labor unions 
formation of a national board to decide jurisdictional dis- 
putes between building trades unions and to prevent strikes 
over such disputes was decided upon. 

3. Dispatch from San Francisco, Mar. 5, states that a strike of 
9,000 telephone operators and 3,000 line men in Calif., Wash. 
Ore, and Nevada has been ordered by Exec, Committee of 
International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers, in event 
that P.M. G. Burleson does not speedily grant wage demands of 
Brotherhood, 



. I 



,.■;: :V ..... ,u Itfii i.. r .:■'<- ;•-; ft -'.jov. . , -j „.-.., 

. ■ ■ -i : ■*..; . ■ ;.Ci>.r :..■■•.:;. 5 cit j.. i'l^ ?-jiL. J.! ... r 

..:'.. . - -.:.• ■ ■<> ,: i ?.!*.■ - ... :,'i-i,fj,;-.. ,.'.s -i .u i :. . 

. . . ■ ■ • ■'.'•' •: . . • ' \su. :>. ' . : ..;■ £;'o>i ' : .-. ■ *: 
» ... ."■ *.-.•:.: t/; io . ,//■!,/.(',. i - '•, >*' : : "- •• -'• *■■* 

■■■••■' .. •") n.: ...f . .' ■■.;: ; „■■:..-. -.. .'.<:. :...■■':■■ }.\-ll :;.:':■ 



1:. 






; rjj.i ... f* r,;. : 



>.■;.;•• ■. .. v 






• ' J' i 



a.. ■ . j . 



■ i '. 



■juiryi :;..\.1 






. ..j ' ■*. ... <-.•»■ .• . «... . ',. • .. . » ■■ 






io aJ!J»'V£J tc>: Jj.- , :.l'c -:-;■ J ! 






. . J. j 



.Cl) 



- 















y. _ J] .■;::. :/;■■■'.'<: i. i.^lX , li ^il.'ti ^'.' ! '>; ;:;■;..;.. 



■ - • * *\ •* ... 

;. . : -3o .:. . •■•; i rsvb-iz : ■-■. 

\ ,^'iO Ho'.' I. .. '■■> '-LP. ' v !• 
■ -. v. :r, . , . ■■;;: };;■-; t- . 



., . :> 



. '. i .'. ... i . 

Mi: !-\ '■■' Ow'l, ■ 

>."■: : ' ■. . , ;■:>■' 
... ,^.. • .. ,-; ■■• -I 
ti; .0 i ; 



No. 70 -3- I-UrcA b, 1919 



Reconstruction Dr. Frank J* Goodnow, Pres. of Johns Hopkins University, has 

been selected to assist in framing a constitution fpr Polish 
Gov't. 

FOREIGN 

Demobilization Wall St. Journal 14* r. 3 states that France has passed iubill 

granting demobilized soldiers a gratuity of $50. In addition 
fighting men will receive $4 a month for the time they were 
mobilized, while others will JBceive 1 $3 a month. 

Opium Trade Press dispatch from Tokyo states that Premier Hara announced 

Feb. 21 that the Gov't, bad decided at earliest possible 
moment to abolish opium monopoly in provinces of Kwangtung and 
Tsingtao, China, and on the Island of Formosa. 



• ■.... . . 






COUNCIL OF NATIONAL DEFEASE 
Reconstruction Eesearcn Division 

DAILY DIGEST C 
No. 71. 



IECONSTRIICTION NEWS 



March 7, 1919 



International 



Cable dispatch from Paris March 6 states that a step toward 
the formation of a treaty of peace was taken by Supreme Council 
Mar, 6 when it adopted proposal of American delegation to 
have various commissions present to Council their reports and 
conclusions in form of articles to be ineerted in peace pre- 
liminaries. 



State Dept, 



Treasury Dept. 



1. Dept, announced Mar, 7 that it was notified Mar, 6 of Italy's 
adhesion to inter-Allied supervision plan in Siberia. 

2. Cable advices received by Dept. from Switzerland give further 
evidence of necessity of discouraging travel of Americans in 
Europe at this time. 

Customs authorities cited first case of taxation on imported 
airplanes Mar. 5. Agreed on tax of 20$ on machine purchased 
in Canada for use in U. S. 



War Dept. 



1. Dept. announced Mar. 7 that a tentative agreement had been 
reached between copper producers and Department, under which 
producers will sell Gov't's, surplus stock at prevailing 
market prices, charging only actual cost of selling. 

2. Sur. Gen. of Army made public reports of Division of Physical 
Reconstruction Mar. 6 in which it was shown that of 28,023 
patients undergoing treatment for wounds at Walter Reed and 
28 other Army hospitals in U. S., 8,000 were enrolled during 
January in some form of educational work. 562 wounded men 
were able to resume old occupations. 

3. Col. H. A, Dargue, Bureau of Mil, Aeronautics, and Lieut, P. 
Lucas, adjutant, flew from New York to Washington, Mar. 6, in 
80 minutes in a de Haviland 4 plane. 

4. Report made by Maj. Gen. W, L. Sibert, Director of Chemical 
Warfare Service, to Gen. March, Mar. 6, states that his or- 
ganization shipped to Europe 5,662 tons of gag, or its 
equivalent, which was largely loaded into shells and used by 
AnBrican and Allied troops. 

5. Statistics Branch, General Staff, has issued schedule for 
return of overseas divisions in Official Bulletin, Mar. 5. 

6. Div. of Military Aeronautics has sent letter to Presidents of 
all universities and colleges in U. S. asking for letters and 
other records of fliers killed in battle. 

7. Administration of Military justice during war outlined in 
letter from Judge Advo. Gen'l. Crowder to Sec. Baker published 
in Official Bulletin, Mar. 5. 



I :. 



-2- 



March 7, 1919 



Interior Dept, 



labor Dept. 



1» 



Sec. Lane has announced his intention of pressing in next 
Congress for action on reconstruction legislation, which, in 
spite of his efforts, failed in passage on Mar. 4. 

Nat'l War Labor Board in session in New York Mar. 6 handed 
down several decisions sustaining right of employees to or- 
ganize and bargain collectively through "freely chosen" com-.' 
uittoes. 



2. According to reports of Department's special investigators in 
South, iaore than 250,000 colored laborers were lost by the 
South during the war. 

Federal Trade Comm'n. Commission Mar. 6 ordered 159 officers and members of T/hole- 

sale Saddlery Ass'n. and 20 associated retail harness asso- 
ciations, component sections of the Nat'l. Harness Mnfr's. 
Ass'n. of U. 17., to stop trade practices which the Commission 
held constituted conspiracy in restraint of trade. 

Federal Reserve Board In review of business reports for February, made by Federal 

Reserve agents in each district, Board expresses confidence 
that business conditions are adjusting themselves "in a 
fairly satisfactory way" , al though not as fast as many in- 
terests wish, 



R, R. Adrai. 



War Trade Board 



Administration announces that it will shortly cut down freight 
rates on building materials of all descriptions from present 
hign level to pre-war standard, as a step toward increasing 
building activities throughout the country. 

Board issues Export Conservation List as of Mar. 1, 1919. 



U. S. Tariff Comm'n. 1, Dr. F. W. Taussig, Chrm. of U. S. Tariff Comu'n. , has been 

directed by Pres. Wilson to proceed to Paris for purpose of 
taking part in readjustment of commercial treaties and 
similar problems. 



2, 



U. S. Housing Corp. 



Bolshevism 



Industrial Relations 



Commission announces for early distribution an important re- 
port on Reciprocity and Commerical Treaties. 

Figures compiled by Washington division of U.S. Housing Corp. 
show that net decrease in population for period since signing 
of armistice to Feb. 22 was 4,314, 

"Bolshevism is a menace to the whole civilized world, and 
America is the only nation strong enough to combat it," is 
statement made by Col. Raymond Robins, of Chicago, former 
head of Red Cross Mission to Russia, during recital of his 
experiences in Russia before Overman Senate sub-committee 
investigating lawless propaganda in U. S. 

E. M. Gary, Chrm. of U. S. Steel Corp., in address in N. Y., 
Mar. 6, before members of American Iron and Steel Institution, 
stated that the action of Sec. Redfield ir. seeking to stabilize 
the steel industry in anticipation of possible future adverse 
conditions was characterized as tending to "affect business 
progress." Manufacturers accepted Secretary's invitation to 
cooperate witn Dept. of Commerce. 






No. 71. -3- March 7, 1919 



Trade Table of ocean rates from U. S. to foreign ports given in 

Official Bulletin Mar. 5. 

FOREIGN 

Labor i. Cable dispatch from London Mar. 6 states that Premier Lloyd 
George, in addressing first meeting, Mar. 4, of joint com- 
mittee of employers and employees constituted by the Industrial 
Parliament, said, "Civilization, unless we try to save it, 
may be precipitated and shattered to atoms. It can be saved 
only by the triumph of justice and fair play to all classes 
alike." 

2. Cable dispatch from London Mar. 6 states that a White Paper 
issued Mar. 5 discloses the vast extent to which Eritisn 
women replaced men in industry and commerce during the war. 
Not only did the number of women ordinarily employed show an 
increase but over 1,500,000 came forward to take the place of 
men. Making all necessary deductions and additions, it is 
estimated that net increase in female workers employed out- 
side their own homes was 1,200,000. (Further details given 
in Wash. Post, 3-7-19) 

War Liabilities Cable dispatch from London Mar. 5 states that F, G. Eallaway, 

Parliamentary Secretary for Ministry of Munitions, stated that 
on Nov. 11 tnere were 33,000 separate contracts outstanding ; 
which involved a liability of $1,625,000,000. The expendi- 
tures of Ministry of Munitions during war totaled 359, 195, 000, 
000. Apart from work done by private firms, 132 national 
factories were established. Others wore altered at cost of 
$25,000,000. 



COUNCIL OF NATIONAL DEFENSE 
fieconstruction Research Division _ 



No. 72 



DATLf DIGEST OF RECONSTRUCTION NEWS 



t L March 8, 1919. 
TI 



International 1, Pres. Wilson is being advised daily by wireless of developments 

of Peace Conference. Complete military, naval and aerial terms 
of proposed Peace Treaty have been sent by American advisers. 

2. Cable dispatch from Paris Mar. 7 states that the Supreme Allied 
Council of Ton decided Mar. 7 to Lift Tilocka&e on Austria to 
provide for immediate revicfcualling of the Austrian people. 
Work will be in, charge of Berber* Hoover. 

3. Cab3e dispatch from Paris Mar. 6 states that as a result of 
representation by American officials, British Gov't, has con- 
sented bo reiLoval of all censorship on business, commercial and 
ail other messages, 

4. Dispatch by British Wireless Service Mar. 1 states that G. H. 
Roberts, Food Minister, declared that the food situation in 
great areas of Europe is absolutely tragic ( iv It is not too 
much to say. l that Rou.ne.nia is starving, that Serbia is starving, 
that Austria is starving, and that Germany is starving," he 
said. 

5. Cable dispatch from Paris Mar. 7 states that Swiss Gov't, has 
officially recognized Kingdom of the Serbs, Croatians and 
Slovenes. 

State Dept. Con. Gen. Skinner at London cables that Food Controller propo- 
ses to r 3move control and discontinue distribution of condensed 
milk after April allotment, which will be released on Mar. 35. 
License's - will be issued to importers and manufacturers permit- 
ting them to purchase condensed milk abroad. 

Treasury Dept. 1. Dept. announces that it will award medals made from captured 

German guns to all Liberty Loan workers who participate active- 
ly ih coming Victory Loan campaign, 

2, Treasury Mar. 7 established new credits of $18,000,000 for 

Czecho- Slovaks, $40,000,000 for Belgium, $100,000,000 for France 
and $20,000,000, for Italy, making a total of $8,841,657,000 
credits for all the Allies to date. 

War Dept. 1. Stated Mar. 7 that Sec. Baker will sail for Europe April 1 to 

close up business operations of A. E. F. 

2. Stated that action of Congress in reducing appropriation for 
additional temporary force for ensuing year from $5, 000, 000, 
estimated as necessary, to $4,000,000, will result in a reduc- 
tion of about 33$ in that force. 

Post Office Dept. l.P.M.G. Burleson stated Mar. 7 that incr3a.sing postal revenues 

forecast a period of pronounced industrial prosperity. 

2. Office of 3rd Asst. P.M.G. announces that exchange of money 
orders between U. S. and Belgium, temporarily suspended on 
August 1914, will be resumed M^rch 10. 



Nc. 72 -2- March 8, 1919. 



P. 0. Hept. 3. Chas. E, Hughes, appearing before Supreme Court i/ar. 7 as 

Counsel for Cora.i3rcial Cable and Commercial Pacific Cable Com- 
panies, charged that P.M.G-. Burleson by talcing control of 
marine cable system five days after signing of armistice had 
misused powers conferred by a joint Congressional resolution 
and had given resolution an interprstation "foreign to the 
intent of Congress." 

Navy Bept. 1. Sec. Daniels and a party of American naval axperts will la-ove 

for Europe week of Mar. 9 to discuss with Allied naval officers 
the best type of capital warships to be built in future . 

2. Sec". Daniels announced Mar. 8 appointment of a Board of Award 
to consider cases of all officers recommended to receive medals 
or crosses for distinguished service in the war. 

Commerce Dept. Sec. Redfield announced Mar. 7 that he will urge support of 

League of Nations on a western speaking tour he will commence 
week of Mar. 16. 

War Trade Board 1. Board announces that it has been- informed that certain dye .... 

stuffs can not be imported into the United Kingdom without in- 
dividual import licenses. 

2. Consul Gen'l Skinner at London cablss that with regard to re- 
strictions against importation of dye stuffs into United King- 
dom, British Board of Trade has given notice that prohibition 
will be administered by a trade and licensing committee con- 
sisting of an equal number of it epresentatives of dye-manufac- 
turing and dve-using industries. 

3. Board states that it has been informed that importation of 
aluminum ingots into United Kingdom is not prohibited, but that 
aluminum sheets' require an import license as they are included 
under the head of aluminum manufactures. 

4* Board announces that in accordance with existing regulations 
governing importation of commodities shipped into Canada for 
importation into U. S. which nave be in held 60 days after re- 
moval of restrictions thereon, 1, 917 tons of rubber were re- 
leased for entry for a number of importers on Feb. 13, 1919. 

R. R. Admn. Dir, Gen. Hines has called leading bankers and railway corpor- 
ation representatives to a conference in Washington Mar. 11 to 
discuss problems presented to Railroad Admn. by failure of 
Congress to appropriate funds for its use. 

Shipping Board E. N. Hurley stated Mar. 7 that there would be no difficulty in 

financing Emergency Fleet Corp. or in operating American Merr 
chant Marine because of failure to obtain approximately 
$700,000,000 in appropriations which failed of passage. . 



t 

■-■■/..' • '. 



No. 73 



-3- 



March 8, 1919. 



Federal Board for Board announced Mar. 7 that returning wounded soldiers who 

Vocational Education previous to entrance into mi?.itary service were farmers 

will be given training in farm management at expense of gov- 
ernment. 



American Red Cross 



Last formal statement from Red Cross War Council on* he things 
accomplished and of greater work ahead published in Official 
Bulletin, Mar. 4, 1919. 



Aviation 



Cable dispatch to N. Y. Sun says that airplane on exhibition 
in London by Handley Paj^e has passenger saloon extending full 
width and one-third length niiich has armchairs for 17 passen- 
gers. Plane makes more than 100 miles an hour. 



Chaplain Service 



Church Union 



Finance 



Recommendations of General War-Time Commission of Federal 
Council of Churches of Christ in America designed to make for 
efficiency in the Chaplain service of the Army have been 
placed before Sec. Baker. Commission urges that in plans for 
reorganization of Army adequate provisions be made for a 
Chaplain Corps "in harmony with the general practice of the 
Army, !! and protests against proposed law to have one Chaplain 
for every 2,000 men instead of one to every 1,300. 

Commission of 3 Protestant Episcopal Bishops has been appoint- 
ed to wait upon Pope Benedict and solicit his cooperation in 
movement for bringing together all Chnistian churches in 
league modelled after Peace League. Commission will repre- 
sent several Protestant denominations of U. 3. and England. 

Press of Mar. 8 states that France is turning to U. S. for 
fresh capital for repair of her war injuries. Frank A, Van- 
derlip, Pres. of Nat'l City Bank of N. Y., recently arrived 
in Paris to study situation with a view to increasing over- 
seas connections. 



Fine Arts. 



John C. Freund, editor of "Musical America", speaking before 
Arts Club of Washington, and other community gatherings 
throughout U, S. , urges creation of a Secretary of ,Fine Arts 
in President 's Cabinet, 



Labor 



Military 



Trade Relations 



Dispatch from N. Y. Mar. 7 states that Marina Workers' Affil- 
iation decided Mar. 7 to accept terms offered by R. R. Admn. 
for a settlement of strike which has paralyzed Trans-Atlantic 
and Coast-wise shipping since Mar. 4. 

Dispatch from Paris Mar. 6 states that according to compila- 
tion made by Stars and Stripes foreign medals to number of 
9,383 had been awarded to members of A. E. F. up to Feb, 26. 

1, Cable dispatch from London Mar. 7 states that W. C. Bridgeman, 
Undersecretary for Board of Trade, announced in House of Com-- 
mons Mar». 7 that it is not possible to remove all restric- 
tions on imports from foreign countries into United Kingdom, 
but raw materials will be free from restrictions. 



No. 73 -4~ March 8, 1919. 



Trade Relations 3. Wall St. Journal Mar. 5 states that shipping rates to France 

have gone up because of the increasing densand for ca^g-o space 
During past few days rate has increased to $50 per ton. Hates 
to Norway and Sweden have been cut sharply in last few weeks. 

F R E I GM 

Blinded France has 3, 300 blind soldiers as a result of the war, ac- 
cording to Committee for Men Blinded in Eactle. 

Military Cable dispatch from London Mar, 5 states th^t Capt. F.E.Guost 
int2;oduced bill in House of Commons which pzoposes compulsory 
servr.ce for British Army of Occupation. Ihis Army, according 
to bill, would be composed of 900.000 men and enlistment: 
period would expire on April 30, 1920. 

Politics Cable dispatch from London Mar. 6 states that Duchess of 
Marlborough, formerly Miss Consuelo Vo.nderbj.lt of N. Y. , 
was elected to County Council today from North Division of 
Southwark by a large majority over her oppdnent, a Labor 
candidate. She stood for election as a Progressive. 







'4mS 



COUNCIL OF NATIONAL DEFENSE 
Reconstruction Research Division " March 10, 1919 

DAILY DIGEST OF RECONSTRUCTION NEWS 

/ 



No. 73 



International 1. Cable dispatch Mar. 8 states that the Supreme War Council 

reached decision Mar. 3 whereby negotiations interrupted at 
Spa will be immediately resumed elsewhere. Agreement pro- 
vides a method for securing delivery of German merchant 
ships and furnishing adequate food supply to Germany until 
next harvest. 

2. Cable dispatch from Vladivostok states that Allied control 

of Transsiberian Railway has been effected by formal organiza- 
tion of interallied, technical and military committees. John 
F. Stevens, .American railway expert, heads technical committee. 

State Dept. 1. Department announced Mar. 8 that claims filed by American 

citizens and concerns with Department against Germany and 
Austria- Hungary total about $750,000,000. 

2. Acting Sec. Polk, with Spanish embassador and Minister of the 
Netherlands, Mar. 8 sighed five year extensions of the general 
arbitration treaties between U. S. and Spain and Holland. 

3. Minister Whit lock urges visits to Belgium by American business 
mon as a means of hastening the restoration of normal trade 
conditions there. 

Treasury Dept. Department issued report Mar. 8 stating that future credits 

to Allies now are limited to $1,158,000,000, the unused portion 
of $10,000,000,000 appropriation. 

War Dept. 1. Gen. March, Chief of Staff, announced Mar. 8 that retention 

within the Army of about 200.000 men, obtained originally 
through drafts and by transfer from National Guard, is planned 
by War Dept. in building up temporary military establishment. 
States that the Amy would "not be reduced under any circum- 
stances" below 509,909 until some law was passed fixing the 
p e nnane nt f o re e . 

2. Gen. March gave figures Mar. 8 showing that American troops 
actually participating in engagements against enemy numbered 
1,390,000 men. Statement showed that 1,109,000 comprised 
divisional troops and replacements, 240,000 corps and Army 
troops and 50,000 service of supply troops. 

3. Gen. March announced Mar. 8 revised divisional records show- 
ing that battle casualties of American Arty in France totaled 
240,197. These include killed in action, wounded, missing 
and prisoners. (Table of losses by divisions in file.O^ 



V( 



I 



■•;. 



'(' J'> 




No, 73 



March 10, 1919 



r 'ar Dept. 



Office of Director of Sales states that as a result of confer- 
once held by representatives of sodium nitrate importers and 
members of Sales Office, an agreement has be m reached whereby 
Government's surplus stocks of sodium nitrate will be disposed 
of by same people from whom purchased on basis of market price 
less actual expense incurred in making sales. 



i 



5. Dir. of Purchase and Storage states that public auctions of 

surplus army norses and mules conducted at 35 camps, cantonment- 
and stations by Remount Division have brought to Government 
$8,781,231 from sale of 73,739 animals. This covers auctions 
up to Feb. 16, and average unitprice received for all animals 
sold was $119. 

Interior Dept. 1. Sec. Lane has appointed Son. J. F. Shafroth of Colo., and Rep. 

M. E. Foster, of Illinois, two of thre^ commissioners under 
Minerals Act. The third member will he a mining engineer. 

2. Reclamation Record for March publishes interesting facts and 
figures concerning Interior Dept. Bldg, 

3. Dept. states that through Bureau of Education it is working i 
toward establishment of Garden Army of 5,000,000 boys and girls V 
between ages of 9 and 15. 



Agriculture Dept. 



Labor Dept. 



C. of N. D. 



Shipping Board 



War Trade Board 1, 






Officials of Bureau of Public Roads state that fund provided 
by Congress under Federal Aid Road Act is largest ever appro- 
priated for similar purposes by any Government in history of 
world and enables Federal and State governments to carry out 
a road- building program of magnitude never equaled. 

After the war problems of American labor disuussed by Dean G.W. 
Kirchway in lengthy interview granted Edward Marshall and pub- 
lished in Wash. Star, Mar. 9. 

The U. S. Council of N»t'l Defense announces, under authority 
of Wm. C. Redfield, Sec. of Commerce, personnel of Industrial 
Board of the Dept. of Commerce. Board was appointed under 
authorization of Pres. Wilson to appoint a board to address 
post-war stagnation in commerce and industry. The condition, 
its cause, its remedy, the results to be expected and the ob- 
jections to the course purposed are briefly analyzed in state- 
ment issued by Council to Press Mar. 10, 1919. 

Board announces that American Merchant Marine fleet built up 
under the spur of war's necessity now represents nearly one- 
fifth of entire sea-going tonnage of the world and comprises 
46$ of all ships clearing from U. S. ports, as compared with 
9.7% before the war. 

Board announces procedure outlined for trade with Luxemburg 
and occupied territory in Rhine provinces in Official Bulletin, 

Mar. 6. 



I 



J : 



T.*:* r,'. 



■ -f 



''. : . 







«>-, 



$S' 



# 






fr 



c^ 



*V 



No. 73 



-3- 



March 10, 1919. 



War Trade Board 2. 



Food Admn. 



3. 



4. 



5. 



Board announces that a general import license has been issued 
covering importation into U. S. of all unrestricted commoditie 
when such commodities are shipped from United Kingdom, France, 
Italy or Belgium or from the possessions, protectorates, colo- 
nies, or dominions of those countries. 

Board states that it has been advised that Allied Provisions 
Export Commission has been dissolved and that purchases of food 
stuffs for shipment to Great Britain, France and Italy will no 
longer be made by said Commission. 

Board announces that pork and pork products have been removed 
from export conservation list. 

Board announces that new general import license has been issued 
covering importation of sugar from Cuba when consigned to U.S. 
Sugar Equalization Board. 

Admn. made public Mar. 9 statement giving review of relief work 
in Europe under direction of Herbert Hoover since signing of 
armistice . 



American Red Cross 
1. 



In conformity with plans for carrying out Red Cros3 post war 
activities abroad, office of Commissioner for Europe has been 
created, and the Commission for Europe, a body established last 
November to consider and advise War Council in respect to pol- 
icies in European countries, has been abolished. Robt. E, Olds, 
has been appointed Commissioner for Europe with assimilated 
rank of Lieut. Col. Permanent headquarters are to bo main- 
tained in Paris. 



2. American Red Cross has appropriated $100,000 to be used for 
Public Health scholarship funds for purpose of equipping 
graduatj nurses soon to be released from military service to 
enter Public Health nursing. 



Community Organi- 
zation, 



Labor 



3. Dr. L, I. Dublin, statistician, viho has Juet returned from 
health survey of Italy, Greece, Serbia and Jugo-Slavia states 
that Serbia today is an economic and physical ruin. 

Announced in N. Y. Mar. 9 that Sec. Lane has accepted chairman- 
ship of Fat'l Social Unit Organization, designed to further \J 



community, organization for purpose of 
community needs. 



studying and realizing 



Dispatch from New York states that a wage of $6.50 per day to 
carpenters employed on U. S. Army supply base in Brooklyn has 
been awarded by Emergency Construction Commission. 



,-. / •; ... -.: . ; 



f - -. 



~ V *. T j 4 J - ■ 4. . ... v 



•i ' 



AS : :«•«■• "■ 






.<• 



■ • 



i. .-: f 



': 



T. I'; 



•i .. 



I » V A 



.;,. 



'.'■■■ 'i 



:i 



... |0 .«;a 



■J 




•1 ' *'■■ 



Fo. 73 



-4- 



March 10, 1919. 



League of Nations 



Military 






Resources of U.S. 



Trade Relations 



Chas. E, Russell, writer, socialist and member of latj Amoricai 
Mission to Russia, stated in N. Y. Mar. 9 that failure of 
League of Nationa plan probably would precipitate in Europe 
"the greatest catastrophe in history of the world," 

Announced in N. Y. Mar. 9 that American Army University, larg- 
est university in English-speaking world, has bjen opened in 
Beaune, southeast of Paris. 15,000 soldiers have enrolled for 
3-months' course. Faculty of 500 menber, chiefly drawn from 
A. E. F., is headed by Col, I. I. Reeves, formerly President 
of Norwich Univ., Vermont. 

Material resources of U. S. graphically shown in chart accom- 
panying statistical article in Wash. Star, Mar. 9. 

John Barrett, Dir. Gen. Pan-American Union, Mar. 9, invited 
all Government officials interested directly or indirectly in 
promotion of Pan-American commerce to meet Thurs. afternoon 
Mar. 13 for informal exchange of views on trade development 
between U. S. and other American republics. 






.II. 



:: i : ■ ■ 
<. • ■■ ■ lb 

t:.! 



COUNCIL OF NATIONAL DEFENSE 
Reconstruction Research Division ^ f\ j nay Mar. 11, 1919. 

DAILY DIGEST OF^RECONSTRUCTION NEWS 
No . 74 \J I 




International 1. Cable dispatch from Paris Mar. 10 states that the Supreme V r ar 

Council adopted the military terms of German disarmament. Thes 
provide for an army /of 100,000 men, enlisted for 12 years. 

The Supreme Council also settled the disputed question of repre 
sentation of the small powers on the economic and financial com- 
missions of the Peace Conference by deciding to name their rep- 
resentatives itself. 

2. Cable dispatch from Paris states that, according to Petit Jour- 
nal, within the past year 6,000 American men in France have 
married French women. Brides for the most part were country 
girls or employees of town establishments. 

U. S. Congress Chairmen of eight of the House committees on expenditures of 

Government Departments were selected Mar. 10 by Republican Com- 
mittee on Committees. 

State Dept. Sec. of State has informed War Dept. that in furtherance of 

provisions of the Act to provide for vocational rehabilitation 
and return to civil employment for die.ablddppersons discharged 
from Army and Navy, State Dept. will give due consideration to 
the cases of disabled soldiers discharged for disability who 
are certified to if by Civil Service Comm'n. 

Treasury Dept. 1. Sec. Glass, acting under authority conferred by Victory Liberty 

Loan Act, Mar. 10 issued orders reopening to holders of con- 
verted bonds of First Liberty Loan and of Second Liberty Loan 
the privilege of having their bonds converted into 44 per cent 
bonds. 

2. Dept. has purchased, for nominal sum of One Dollar, 85,000 

German helmets forwarded to U. S. by General Pershing. Helmets 
will be sent to district headquarters of the Loan organization 
to be used as prizes for Victory Loan workers in coming cam- 
paign. 

War Dept. Statistics, compiled by Dept. show that from date of entry of 

U. S. into war to Feb. 21, 1919, there were 339 suicides in 
Army. Of these 193 occurred in U. S. and 146 overseas. 

P. 0. Dept. Otto Praegcr, 2d Asst. P.M.G., stated at aeronautical exposi- 
tion in N. Y. Mar. 10 that rsgular aerial mail service between 
N. Y. and Chicago would be in regular operation before summer 
is over. 

Navy Dept. Sec. Daniels, Mar. 11, ordered suspension of work on six 35 

knot cruisers already authorized until a decision j-s to f utu: >■■■ 
type of capital ship could be reached. 

Interior Dept. 1. High explosives worth $10,000,000 and consisting largely zt : 

have been turned over by War Dept. to Interior for reconst,-' 
tion purposes. Sec Lane plans to use stick on road build, 
projects. 



-o. 



74 



-2- 



March 11, 1919. 



Interior Dept. 2, 



Sec. Lane has decided after investigation that poison gas devel 
oped in the war cannot be used to clear American farms of in- 
sects and rodent pests. Experiments showed that while pests 
were killed, there was danger of gas spreading and destroying 
live stock and persons living near by in case the wind carried 
fumes* 



Agriculture Dept^l. Crop Reporting Board of Bureau of Crop Estimates publishes es- 
timates from reports of its correspondents and agents in Offi- 
cial Bulletin, March 8. 

2. National Agricultural Advisory Committee, organized a year ago 
to work with Department and Food Administration, was dissolved 
March 10. 



Commerce Deptt 



Labor Dept. 



Civil Service 
Commission 



P. R. Admn. 



Secretary Redfield stated March 10 that the first consideration 
of the Industrial Board of Department of Commerce will be to cut 
off excessive profits in industry. He denied there was any in- 
tention to disturb wage level at present. Board will begin its 
conferences March 12, meeting representatives of steel indus- 
tries. 

U. S. Employment Service states that during 8 weeks ending Feb. 
22, U. S. Employment Service received 1,090,124 applications 
from men and women for jobs. Of this number 930,029 were re- 
ferred to opportunities and 679,530 were reported placed in 
employment. 

Commission announces March 11 that soldiers, sailors and marines 
at 90 military and naval establishments in U. S. are now receiv- 
ing first-hand information concerning opportunities for employ- 
ment in Federal civil service from representatives of U. S. 
Civil Service Commission, appointed to serve at such establish- 
ments under authority issued by Secr3taries of War and Navy. 

Dir. G-h. Hines stated March 10 that return of the railroads to 
peace basis as to their labor forces and other conditions af- 
fecting cost of operation will requir3 several months. 



3. At direction of administration, railroads now are revising 
passenger tariffs to eliminate in some cases competition of 
rates over widely circuitous routes with rates of a dir3Ct 
route i 



Food Admn, 1. Cable dispatch from Paris March 10, says: "That Herbert Hoover, 

American Food administrator, and lately appointed director gen- 
eral tof Interallied Relief organisation, is to cease his relief 
work in the summer •••'as indicated in a statement issued March 9 
concerning wheat situation. He intimated that a majority of •. 
his co-workers also would return to private life." 

2. In review of relief work conducted in Europe under direction of 
H. Hoover since signing of armistice, it is stated that 250,000 
tons of food, chiefly flour and fats, have been sent to civilian 
populations in Europe. 






74 -3- . March 11, 1919. 



Federal Board for Board issues request for names of disabled soldiers discharged 
Vocational Education from Army before Federal Board was permitted to establish 

contact with such men in Army hospitals in order to deal with 
their cases. There are approximately 13,000 disabled mm 
who were discharged before such contact could be made. 

v . M. C. A. National War Work Council of Y. M. C. A. states that the 

Y. M. C. A, carried the Red Triangle into the camps and 
tranches abroad at a cost of 57 lives. Of these fatalities 
39 were du^ to disease, the remainder to shell fire, bombs, , 
gas, drowning and wounds. Ten of these were women. 

Alien Property In report made public T fe,r. 10 by A. M, Palmer, former Alien 

Property Custodian, practically all known enemy property in 
U. S. has been taken over and is being administered by Alien 
Property Custodian. The more important properties have been 
disposed of. 

Aviation Dispatch from New York states that a commercial airplane v\hich 

will take its pla.ce with tugs, barges, lighters and other 
necessary auxiliaries of a large steamship company is soon to 
make its appearance. It will be used to transmit to vessels 
at sea clearance papers and other documents for handling and 
discharge of cargo at ports of destination. 

Industry Wall St. Journal Mar. 8 states that after four years of hard 

sledding the gold mining companies of the country have begun 
to see daylight ahead. 

Labor 1. Hugh Frayne declared in address in New York that capital must 

deal fairly with bona fide labor organizations or face a "bol- 
shevik" movement* Mr, Frayne urged that during reconstruction 
period care be taken to see that the old ord;T of things object- 
ed to by labor be not restored and that more value be placed on 
labor. 

At same meeting Pomeroy Burton of London asserted that "there 
is need in U. S. and England for a government bureau of publi- 
city to make people understand industrial conditions." 

2. Dispatch from New York Mar. 10 states that in sympathy with 
strike of marine workers against private boat owners, nearly 
30,000 longshoremen quit work Mar. 10, refusing to handle 
freight delivered to piers by boats manned by non-union workers. 

3. Dispatch from Seattle Mar. 10 states that the strike of 40,000 
shipyard workers, in effect since Jan. 21 in Seattle, Tacoma, 
and Aberdeen, was formally declared off Mar. 9. 



No. 74 



-4- 



March 11, 1919. 



Labor 



4. Cable dispatch from Paris states that A-, F. of L. delegates 
there, h?aded by Samudl Gompers, declared themselves in agree- 
ment with French and British labor interests as to holding pro- 
posed labor conference at B ?rne. 



Radicalism 



Science 



Vital Statistics 



Zionist Movement 



According to memorandum sent to Senate Propaganda Committee by 
Solicitor Lamar of P. 0. Dept., mail matter seized since sign- 
ing of armistice has disclosed that the I. W, W» f anarchists, 
and radical socialists and others are "perfecting an amalgama- 
tion" which has for its object overthrow of American government 
through "a bloddy revolution" and establishment of a bolshevik 
republic. 

Dispatch from London Mar. 9 states that the Daily Express under- 
stands that wire telephony by use of light rays has been discov- 
ered and successfully experimented with by a Doctor of Physics 
at University College, London. 

Press report Mar. 9 states thit while no attempt has been nude 
as yet to study thoroughly information derived from physical 
examination of 3,208,466 draft registrants, a local board for 
Division 129 N. Y. City has made an auspicious start through 
careful indexing of results obtained in 600 cases, with the 
view of turning these over to medical authorities for analysis. 

Announced from headquarters of Zionist Organization of America 
in N. Y. that responses to questionnaires sent out in June, 1918, 
indicate that a clear majority of both Housesof last American 
Congress were willing that Zionist Organization of America 
should publish their endorsements of movement looking to estab- 
lishment of a national "Jewish Homeland" in Palestine. 



F OREIGN 
Finance 



Industry 



Military 



Rauol Peret, Chrmn« of Budget Committee of French Chamber of 
Deputies, places assets of France at $31,800,000,000 and liabil- 
ities of $36,200,000,000 leaving deficit of $4,400,000,000. He 
estimates after-war budget would be $3,600,000,000 against rev- 
enue of $2,600,000,000. 

1. Cable dispatch from London Mar. 10 states that the prospect of a 
tunnel under English Channel to France is being considered by 
Gov't, among its industrial after-the-war projects. 

2. Commission reports Briey iron mines in northern France intact, 
but surface plants removed or destroyed to extent that years 
will be required for replacement. 



Press dispatch from Paris states that on casualty lists of Frsnci. 
Army the word "missing" is written opposite names of 314,000 
men. Investigations h^ve resulted in establishing fact that of 
this number all hope for approximately 120,000 must be aban- 
doned. 



COUNCIL OF NATIONAL DEFENSE 
Reconstruction Research Division March 12, 1S19, 

DAILY DIGEST OF RECONSTRUCTION W^'S 
No. 75 



International 1. Cable dispatch from London Mar. 11 states that Evening News 

reports that daaft of Peace Treaty already has been finished 
and will be signed before end of March. 

2. Cable dispatches from Paris indicate that by proposed terms 
of peace treaty Germany's boundaries will stop at the Rhine 
and at the former western frontier of Poland preceding the 
1772 partition. The distinctly German region of Austria will 
be acquired by Germany. In round numbers Germany will lose 
30,000 square miles of territory. In order to make impossible 
production of war material, all industrial plants are to be 
placed under Allied supervision. 

3. Cable dispatch from London Mar. 11 states that according to 
press dispatch from Paris, Supreme Council has decided that 
personnel of German fleet is to be restricted to 15,000. 

4. Double censorship of cablegrams is abolished under terms of an 
agreement between U. S. and Great Britain. The two countries 
agree that hereafter cable communication through the territory 
of either country will be subject only to censbxwhip of the 
country in which the message originates. 

Congress 1. Republican Organization for majority control of next House was 

completed March 11 with selection of Rep. F. W, Mondell, of 
Wyoming, as Floor Leader. 

2. Chrm. Fordney of '"ays and Means Committee of next Congress, 
who will be author of new Tariff Bill, states that duty on im- 
ports should be made to help bear war burden. Present tariff 
bill, he declares, produced only $1.70 per capita in 1918, as 
against $10. 25 per capita, collected by Gt, Britain at same 
time. 

War Dept. 1. Sec. Baker authorizes publication of correspondence between 

Sec. of War and Judge Advo. Gen'l Crowder outlining system of 
military justice, in Official Bulletin for Mar. 10. 

2. Dept. announced March 11 the abandonment of Neville Island 
ordnance plant, planned as the largest munition factory in the 
world. 

3. Late reports received by Arthur Woods, Special Ass't. to Sec. 

of War, indicate material improvement in unemployment situation. 

4. Office of Dir. of Sales states that as result of recent confer- 
ence between representative members of hardwood industry and 
Office of Dir. of Sales in regard to disposition of surplus 
stocks of hardwood lumber in possession of War Dept., hardwood 
industry has chosen a committee to act with Government in this 
matter. v 



No. 75 -2- March 12, 1919. 

War Dept* 5. Benedict Crowell, Asst. Sec. of War, states that Dept* plans 

to endow war nitrite plants with maximum peace-time value 
while maintaining and enhancing their war-time efficiency. 

6. Office of Sur. Gen. states that a board of medical officers to 
consider and make recommendations in regard to reorganization 
and equipment on peace basis of Red Cross base hospitals has 
been appointed by Sur. Gen, of Army, 

7. Coincident with announcement Mar. 11 that Maj. Gen. % L. Kenly 
had been replaced as Dir. of Military Aeronautics of Army by 
Brig. Gen. Vfa. Mitchell, it was learned that orders have been 
issued for cessation of aviation training at all fields in 

U» S, except two. These instructions take effect Mar. 15. 

Navy Dept. Sec. Daniels talked Mar. 11 by radio telephone with Ensign 

Fagenwater in a Navy flying boat en route from Washington to 
Hampton Roads. Communication was established at a distance 
of more than 150 miles. 

Interior Dept. A second warning that army gas masks, developed for protection 

against poison gases of warfare, are almost worthless in civil 
employments was given Mar. 11 bfr Bureau of Mines .as a result 
of reports of injuries to firemen and miners who have attempte*. 
to use masks in their work. 

Agriculture Dept. Dept. issues statement outlining some results of collaboration 

of Forest Products Laboratory of Forest Service with Chemical 
Warfare Service in producing a charcoal f rom wood graste which 
was practically the equal of fruit-pit charcoal in density and 
gas absorbing qualities, in Official Bulletin, Mar, 10, 

LaborDept. 1. Dir. of Public " f orks and Construction Development states in re- 
port that most of the building activity east of Missouri river 
and north of Ohio River is confined to private individuals and 
corporations. Figures show that building activities for first 
weeks in February fell far below pre-war normal period. They 
also show marked increase over those of January. In Phil., 
Baltimore, "Wash, and adjacent territory contracts awarded in 3 
weeks of February were of a money total of $4,934,000. Build- 
ing in N. E. is lagging behind rest df country while great 
aotivity is shown in Western states. 

2. Dept. announced Mar. II that 20 cities now have enrolled in 
nationwide "own your own home" campaign. To assist cities 
in working out local campaigns Dept. has prepared manual sug- 
gesting methods. 

3. Dept. announced Mar. 11 that conclusion reached after compila- 
tion of answers to questionnaires from 74 cities was that higj 
prices of material and high wages remain as two most importan. 
factors in preventing increased building activities. 



No, 75 



-3- 



Match 13. 1919. 



Labor Dept. 



4. 



H. R. Admn. 



Sec. Wilson cjniounces that the Employers' Industrial Commission 
recently sent to Europe by Dept,. will make a special study of 
methods employed by foreign governments in handling labor and 
industrial problems during war and general plans for reconstruC' 
tion. 

Following a conference Mar. .11 between R, R» Dir. Hines, upward 
of 30 of leading railway executives, and officials of War Fir- 
nance Corp., three tentative plans for financing the carriers of 
the country until Congress convenes and provides essential ad- 
ditional revolving fund were agreed upon. (File provides de- 
tails. ) 

As a step in its campaign for protecting holders of Liberty 
Bonds and W, Si S, form "exchange" proposals of doubtful or 
fraudulent stock promotion schemes, Commission liar. 11 sent out 
a demand for information from many concerns whose literature 
has been turned over to Commission for examination. 

Federal Board for 

Vocational Education Board announces that Gov't, will pay full expenses of all dis- 
abled soldiers, sailors and marines in Washington who desire to 
attend Geo. Washington Univ. 



Federal Trade 
Commission 



A. F. of L. 



Aviation 



Employment 



Frank Morrison, Sec'y., stated Mar. 11 that organised labor re- 
sents and will refuse to "share ih the results" of price read- 
justments if its "living standards are to be endangered." 

Dispatch from Gloucester, Mass., Mar. 11 states that Commission- 
er Smith of Bureau of Fisheries has endorsed as feasible plan 
of Gloucester Board of Trade to send out seaplanes as scouts 
when mackerel seining fleet starts for southern fishing grounds 
in April. 

Dispatch from Edmonston, Alberta, states that private employment 
agencies in Province of Alberta are put completely out of bus- 
iness by terms of an act introduced in Legislature which pro- 
vides fine or imprisonment for violation of terms. Bill makes 
it unlawful for any parson, firm or corporation or association 
to carry on business of an employment agency. This measure 
functions in connection with another which establishes Alberta 
Gov't, Employment Bureau to be attached to a provincial depart- 
ment under supervision of a Director, 



Garden Conference 



Trade Relations 



At joint conference of Capital Garden Club and D. of C, Div, of 
Woman's Land Army to be held afternoon and evening Mar. 12 at 
Dept. of Interior auditorium, plans will be discussed for in- 
creased "back to the land" activities to decrease cost of living. 
Recruiting of farmerettes, seed funds, and arrangements enabling 
Gov't, clerks fio work on gardens are phases of plans already 
formulated, 

G. R. Brown in article Wash. Post, Mar. 12 states that the door 
of American opportunity in Greece is standing wide open and the 
U. S, is in a position greatly to extend its commerce and cul- 
tural influence in Near Blast. 



r. . ' 



No, 75 



-4- 



March 12, 1919. 



FOREIGN 
Aviation 



Chinese Gov't, has signed contract with Peking syndicate for 
20 foraign-made airplanes to inaugurate Chinese mercantile 
aerial servi ce. 



Food 



Health 



Korea 



.Repatriation 



Cable to N. Y. Sun states thar grave fears are felt in Europe 
over food shortage. Situation in Italy, Portugal and Greece 
acute, and use of wheat under ban in Holland, In Switzerland, 
and Sweden restrictions and prohibitions are enforced and in 
Czecho-Slovak districts food shortage is leading to anarchy. 
In Germany conditions are critical and in Russia worse. 

Cable dispatch from London Mar. 11 states that the Gov't, of 
India reports that deaths from influenza in British India in 
1918 totaled 5,000,000, In the Indian states were 1,000,000 
additional^ 

Cable advices received from Shanghai by Korean National Ass'n. 
at San Francisco, Mar. 9, state that Korea declared its inde- 
pandence of Japan on Mar. 1« 

Dispatch from Winnipeg, Canada, Mar. 9 states that preliminary 
measures have been taken by Dominion Repatriation Committee for 
carrying out broad plan of assisting returned soldiers and 
their dependents which may involve a govarnrrent expenditure of 
$100,000,000. 




OffWK Oi **<* 



COUNCIL OF NATIONAL DEFENSE 
Reconstruction Research Division 



March 15 , 1919, 



DAILY DIGEST OF RECONSTRUCTION NETS 



No. 76 



International 1. 



War Dept. 



2. 



3. 



Treasury Dept. 1, 



Cable dispatch from Paris Mar. 13 states that an inviaatiorx 
has been sent to all the neutral nations in Europe, Asia and 
So. America asking them to attend a private and -unofficial con- 
ference in Paris Mar. 20, with object of giving neutrals an 
opportunity to express views on League of Nations. 

Cable dispatch from Paris Mar. 12 states thaii Gen. Harries, 
head of American Mission to Berlin, told Peace Delegates that 
unless Germany received supplies at once it is doubtful wheth- 
er present government can withstand another revolution. Gen- 
eral Harries -rent to Paris to urge that food shipments be 
hurried. 

Cable dispatch from Paris states that in speaking before Inter- 
allied Press Club Mar. 11, Sec. Lansing declared that the 
Allies must feel Germa^iy and give Germans opportunity to sell 
their products in foreign markets, if danger of bolshevism 
was to be avoided. 

Cable dispatch from Paris states th»t Frank Vanderlip said to 
Assoc. Press liar. 13, "I doubt if America has begun to compre- 
hend the seriousness of the appallint- situation which confronts 
Europe, and the wreck which the whole fabric of civilization 
may be facing. " 

Sec, Glass announced Mar. 12 that the Victory Liberty Loan 
campaign will open Monday, Apr. 31, and close 3 weeks later. 
Also announced that short-term nofces, maturinr in not over 5 
years, would be issued instead of longer term bonds. Amount 
of notes to be offered not disclosed, but 'generally understood 
that loan would be for minimum of $5,000,000,000, with 
Treasury reserving right to accept all over-subscriptions. 

2. Treasury Dept. issues circular describing methods of paying 
Inheritance Tax in Liberty Bonds. 

3. Extent to which Federal Reserve system can be used to assist : 
in financing operations of railroads pending appropriation by 
Congress discussed Mar. 13 by Sec. Glass, Diri Gen. Hines.Gov. 
Harding, of Reserve Board, and officials of w ar Finance Corp. 

4. Dept< announced Mar. 13 a credit of $5,000,000 in favor of 
Roumania. This increases Roumania's credits to $15,000,000 
and those of all allies to $8,841,657,000. 

Table issued by Dept. Mar. 13 shows that demobilization of Army 
from Nov. to Mar. 1 resulted in elimination of 76 general of- 
ficers. Further demobilization in immediate prospect will 
cancel war-time rank of an additional 303 general officers, 
leaving only 125 men in grade of brigadier general and above, 
out of 404 on duty when armistice was signed. Only 61 perma- 
nent general officers authorized. 



TO. .':. ;'] ! "-J*: 



:*».¥ 



No. 76 



-2- 



March 13, 1919, 



Interior Dept. 



Commerce Dept. 1. 



Bureau of Klines announced Mar. 12 development of a motor fuel 
which adds 10 miles an hour to speed of airplanes and has pos- 
sibilities for use in automobile racing. Liou^.d costs $1 a 
gallon, so, while of military value, not regarded as practical 
for commercial purposes at present. 

Chnn. G. N. Pee"*' of Industrial Board announced Mar. 12 that the 
postponed meeting of the steel industry with Industrial Board 
will be held Mar« 19. 



Civil Service 
Commission 



Shipping Board 



2. In preliminary report on telephone industry of U. S. , issued 
Mar. 12 by Dir. of Census Bureau, it we,s stated that one out 
of every 2 families in U. S. had a telephone in 1917, and dur- 
ing that year total number of telephone calls averaged 200 for 
every man, woman and child in country, 



In reorganization of Civil Service Commission, 2 of 3 new 
appointees as members of Commission are M. A. Morrison of Ind., 
and Gso. R. Wales of Vt. 

Chrm, Hurley announced Mar, 12 that a tentative plan for future 
ownership and operation of American Merchant Marine would be 
ready for submission to Congress by Mar. 31. 



Federal Board for 
Vocational 'Education 



Board announced Mar. 12 that it estimates that approximately 
$25,000,000 has been saved to Gov't, through adoption of policy 
of placing disabled soldiers and sailors in existing education- 
al institutions for retraining. Leading colleges and universi- 
ties of country are included among institutions to which dis- 
abled men will be sent. More than 500 courses are open to them. 

American Red Cross American Red Cross has set week of Mai'. 24-31 for nation-wide 

collection of used clothing, shoes and blankets for relief of 
millions of men, women and children in Allied countries in dire 
need of clothing. 



Commerce 



Food 



Journal of Commerce Mar. 12 announces that Textile Research 
Co. has been organized at Boston by prominent textile manufact- 
urers to make available such t echnical service and information 
as may be desired by concerns wishing to conduct research, or 
have research conducted for them, along lines which pertain to 
manufacture of textiles. 

Annual report of American Sugar Refining Co., issued in Jersey 
City Mar. 12, states that putting the U. S. on a sugar ration 
did not reduce tne consumption in 1918. Stated that- while 
some sections used less- of the product than during absence of 
regulation, others drew more heavily on supply, making daily 
consumption approximately 10,000 tons, the same as for last ten 
years. 



No. 76 



-3- 



:%rch 13, 1919. 



Trade Relations 



Notes from Land 
Army Conference 1. 



2. 



FOREIGN 
Land 



Dispatch from Chile Mar. 12 announces personnel of members of 
Chilean Commercial Mission to visit U. S. , France, Gt. Britain 
and Italy. 



F. E, Beattie, of Dept* of Agri culture, stated at conference of 
D, of C Division of Woman's Land Army and Capital Garden Club , 
at Interior Dept. auditorium, Mar. 12, that v\ar gardening last 
year benefited the national health and produced a saving of 
several millions of dollars. 

G. I. Christie, of Dept. of Agriculture, formerly Food Admn. of 
Ind., cited increase in pork prices from $17.50 to $20.00 per 
cwt. since removal of Food Admn. restrictions, in support of 
contention that present food demand greatly exceeds supply, and 
strongest necessity still exists for increased production. 



More than 274,000 acres of land have been returned to various 
Mexican communities by Pres. Carranza, acting under new consti- 
tution of the Republic and executive decrees. 



V 



cfviC ,••,•■•: ... -• I 



■ . - ; . 



i •!. 



io -. 


-.. > 


■ -.»• - . - 


. £ , . 


w • • ■ ■ 


■ . ■;' .;•■;.*: 




*t ■". ,* 


/ ■ ' - . ( ' ■ • 


in 


' -1 


• i toscj 



•• /. ' a 



. ,;-.■'? 




COUNCIL OF NATIONAL DEFENSE 
keconst ruction Research Division 

DAILY DIG! 
No. 77 




March 14, 1919 



International 



U. S. Congress 



State Dept. 



1. 



2. 



Cable dispatch from Paris Mar. 13 states that the Labor Comm'n. 
has decided to recommend that first meating^of International 
Labor Conference be held at Washington in October, if U. S. 
Gov't will consent to convene it. 

At Conference between Senate and House leaders on Waterways 
a program of legislation for extra session of Congress and 
definite recommendations to R. R. Admn. for development of 
waterway transportation was agreed upon. 

Dept. announces that according to cabla dispatch from Consul 
Gan'l Skinner, London, British Ministry of Munitions has sus- 
pended control of calcium Carbide from Mar. 7. 

Consul Gen'l Skinner reports th=tt British Minister of Munitions 
gives notice of increase in maximum price of steel for home 
sales as from M«.r. 1, 1919. 



Treasury Dept. 



War Dept. 



In order to demonstrate to American troops at home and abroad 
value of sensible thrift, not only to themselves but to nation, 
a series of 3 lectures on wise buying, sane saving and s3Curo 
investment will be delivered to more than 1,500,000 soldiers by 
Y. M. C. A. secretaries, acting in cooperation with Savings 
Div. of U. S. Treasury. 

1. Arthur Woods, special ~sst. to Sec. of War, Mar. 13 addressed 
letters to Mayors of all principal cities asking cooperation 
in efforts to "safeguard the economic welfare of soldiers who 
have been discharged from service and are returning to your 
state and city to reestablish themselves in civil life". 

2. Dept. announced Mar. 13 consolidation of v.rny Embarkation Ser- 
vice and Inland Traffic Service. Brig. Gen. F. T. Hines, Chief 
of Embarkation, was appointed Chief of consolidated services, 
which will be known as Transportation Ssrvice. 

3. Acting Sec. Crowell announced Mar. 12 decision to maintain 16 
flying fields and 3 balloon fields a s part of permanent mili- 
tary establishment. States that Dept. has practically decided 
to store for possible future use its hundreds of elementary and 
advanced training plane's. 

4. Office of 3ur. Gan. states that work will soon be begun on 
farms and gardens at Army Hospitals under jurisdiction of 
Educational division of Sur. Gen. Office. 

5. Office of Dir. of Sales announces that an inventory of surplus 
building materials held by Construction Division of Arny dis- 
closes fact that supply is being rapidly reduced. 



.1 . 






• 



77 -2- March 14, 1919. 



War Dept. 6. Dept. publishes Act permitting discharged soldiers and sailors 

to retain their •uniforms, in Official Bulletin, Mar. 12. 

Interior Dept. Sac. Lane stated Mar. 13 that in expectation that legislation 

providing for settlement of reclaimed lands by returned soldiers 
will be passed by next Congress, he is continuing the prelimin- 
ary work of investigation. Questionnaires are being distributed 
at camps and naval stations in order to obtain information as 
to attitude of men in service toward plan. 32 states have taken 
steps toward cooperating with Dept. of Interior in working out 
soldier land settlement plan. 

Commerce Dept. Sec. Redfield announced at masting of Nat'l Industrial Confer- 
ence Board in New York Mar. 13 that constantly increasing mass 
of data on industrial conditions abroad, which is being accumu- 
lated by Bureau of Foreign and Domestic Commdrce, will be turned 
over to Board for dissemination among manufacturers interested. 

Labor Dept, 1> Latest summary of U. S. Employment Service reports improvement 

in employment conditions in U. S, 

3. Dir. Gen. Densmore of U. S. Employment Service stated Mar. 13 
that 400 of the 500 employees of that service in Washington will 
be released within next weak because of failure of Congress to 
provide funds for continuance of work. 

Federal He serve 

Board Board iasues statement prepared from February reports evidencing 

business readjustment in different parts of countrv. Official 
Bulletin, Mar. 12. 

Interstate Commerce 

Commission A summary of revenues and expenses for 181 roads with annual 

revenue in excess of Si, 000, 000, mads public Mar. 13 by I.C.C., 
showed that although operating expenses of principal railroads 
of country showed a decrease in January, gross and net operating 
revenues continued to decline, the net revenue, after deduction 
of taxes, falling about $54,000,000 short of Government's aver- 
age monthly renbal obligation of approximately $75,000,000. 

Shipping Board 1. Board announces that it has begun issuing to all men passing 

through its Sea Training Service special certificates of fitness. 

2. Board announces that it has designated 2 more of the 6 wooden 
ships for use in training apprentices for service in Merchant 
Marine crews, 

R. R. Admn. Means of compensating equipment companies for locomotives, cars 

and other material furnished R. R. Admn. were provided yesterday 
by a ruling of Federal Reserve Board that federal leserva banks 
might property rediscount for their member banks drafts drawn by 
companies on Dir. Gen. of Railroads and acceptable to him. 



-I .«,-• 



r 



.-•.■, . 



Lto, 77 -3- lurch 14, 1919 



War Trade Board Board announces that although trade has been resumed with 

Bulgaria, Turkey and Black Sea ports, maritime traffic with 
Bulgarian and Ottoman ports still remains subject to control 
of Allied and naval authorities. 

War Industries Board Announced that Price-Fixing Committee has been thanked by Pre~ 

V/ilson, through its Chrm., for services to country. Eriof 
final report is contained in R. S. Brookings 1 letter of ack- 
nowledgment to President. Files turned over to War Industries 
Board comprise complete history of every price agreement. 
Official Bulletin, 3-11-19. 

Labor According to apparently autnentic reports from New York, Mar. 

13, commandeering by Govt, of a fleet of harbor craft sufficient 
to restore traffic in New York's strike-bound harbor to normal 
conditions has been decided upon by officials of Army, Navy and 
U. S. Shipping Board. 

Finance C. of N. D. received Mar. 14 copy of "A Nat'l Budget System; 

the Most Important of all Reconstruction Measures." Published 
by Institute for Gov't Research, 14 pps. 

Shipping According to report Compiled by Bureau of Port Statistics at 

N. Y. , January was banner month in history of port of San 
Francisco in volume of domestic merchandise exported. 

So. American Trade At. meeting of commercial experts from Gov't, Departments in 

Pan American Bldg. , Mar. 13, E. N. Hurley, Chrm of U, S. 
Shipping Board, stated that twenty- two 12,000-ton passenger 
vessels, capable of attaining a speed of 16 knots an hour, 
are under construction for South and Central American passenger 
service. "We have not a sufficient number of cargo vessels at 
present time to handle vast quantities of materials for export 
to So. American and other countries, "he said," but, , we are 
gaining on the problem and in near future will be able to 
nandle cargo as fast as ready to ship. " 

Notes from Garden 

Conference 1. A moving picture film showing typical Woman's Land Army unit 

excelling men farm laborers at certain tasks, which was dis- 
played by G. H. Davison, at conference in Washington of Garden 
Club and D. C, Division of Woman's land Army, is outcome of 
experiuant Mr, Davison carries on his New York estate in order 
to back up Nat'l Agricultural Society's endorsement of Woman's 
Land Army. 

3. Indicative of permanent and growing recognition of value of 
gardening as productive and recreational enterprise, are re- 
ports that almost twice the number of garden plots on Potomac 
flats, Washington, assigned last spring already have been be- 
spoken, of C. Div. of Woman's Land Army is receiving over 
40 letteis a day as to openings. 

3, Establishment of permanent agricultural organization in D. of 
C. under Extent-ion Service of Dept. of Agriculture is antici- 
pated as outcome of increased garden activities already 
carried on jointly by Dept. of Agriculture and Capital Garden 
Club, 



... [ u 






. 



■ -' ■' 



■ 









;.-.■. . ..!. 



COUNCIL OF NATIONAL DEFENSE 
Reconstruction Research Division 




Ikrch 15, 1919, 



No. 78. 



DAILY DIGEST OF RECONSTRUCTION 



State Dept. 



Treasury Dept. 1» 



War Dept. 



Interior Dept. 



Latest reports to State Dept. from Russia state that in 
Petrograd and Moscow there is no coal, kerosene or gasoline. 
Wood was nationalized in September and since passage of 
official decree has not been available for private use. 

Commr. D. C. Roper of Internal Revenue Bureau announced Mar. 
14 his appointments to new Advisory Tax Board of Bureau. 

Dept, states that Italy's loans from U. S. were increased 
Mar. 14 to $1,421,500,000 by a new credit of $16,500,000. 

Dept, authorizes statement from Office of Dir. of Purchase 
and Storage to effect that articles worth $12,334,309 were 
salvaged during November by Service Corps overseas. 

Sec. lane Mar. 14 appointed members of commission which will 
have charge of payment of losses incurred by mining men in 
production of manganese, chrome, pyrites and tungsten for 
war purposes. 



L^bor Dept. 



Agriculture Dept. 1. Sec. Houston announced Mar. 14 the appointment of Dr. H. C. 

Taylor, head of Dept. of Agricultural Economics in University 
of Wisconsin, to be Chief of Office of Farm Management. 

2. Chas. J. Brand, Chief, Bureau of Markets, explains changes in 
transactions on cotton exchanges under recent amendment to the 
Cotton Futures Act, in Official Bulletin, Mar, 13. 

Nat'l War Labor Board has taken under advisement the case of 
the woman street car conductora in Cleveland, Ohio, who are 
pleading for right to work equally with men. Among those 
appearing in behalf of woman workers before the Board were 
Dr. Anna H. Shaw, Frank P. Walsh, and Miss Mary Van KLeeck. 

For purpose of meeting emergency caused by radical curtailment 
of machinery of U, S. Employment Service due to lack of funds, 
Grosvenor B. Clarkson, Dir. of U. S. Council of Nat*} Defense, 
with concurrence of Secretaries of War and Labor, announced 
Mar. 15 formation by Council of Emergency Committee on Em- 
ployment for Soldiers and Sailors with following personnel! 
Col» Arthur Woods, Franklin D. Roosevelt, E. N. Hurley, 
Nathan A. Smyth, G. I. Cristie, B. S. Cutler, Mathew Woll, 
Elliot Goodwin, S. P. Bush, E. J. Ayers, John W. Hallowell, 
Gros7enor B. Clarkson. Sec. of Committee will be E. H. 
Greenwood, who has been associated with Dept. of Labor 
in its employment work. 



Council of Nat'l 
Defense 



No. 78 



-2- 



March 15, 1919 



Federal Trade 
Commission 



War Trade Board 



With view to eliminating confusion in designation or qualities 
and grades in sale of writing paper and book papar, Federal 
Trd.de Commission has invited manufacturers throughout U.S. to 
meet witn Commission in Washington Mar. 28 for general con- 
ference. 

1. Board announces that a new general import license has been 
issued covering importation into II. S, of all commodities 
which are merely being shipped in transit through U. S. , 
provided shipment through U. S, under this general license 
be made in bond as prescribed by Customs authorities. 



Shipping Board 



B. R. Admn. 



American Red Cross 



Aviation 



Labor 



2. Board announces for information of exporters in U. S. that 
they have been informed that the importation of lemons in 
specified quantities is now permitted by Customs authorities 
of Australia. 

Chrm. Hurley stated Mar, 14 that 19 barges for use on upper 
Mississippi are under construction, but no contracts have been 
let for towboats. 

Dir. Gen. Hines uade public report showing th^.t commercial 
exports continued to indicate a marked increase in volume 
for week ending Mar. 10. 

American Red Cross announces that officials of governmental 
agencies of 7 nations and dominions will meet in New York 
from Mar. 18 to 22 to plan for rehabilitation of disabled men, 
civilians as well as soldiers, and put them back on the pay- 
roll, Conference will be held under auspices of Red Cross 
institute for Crippled and Disabled Men. 

G. L. Martin, designer and builder of War Dept. 's "All 
American Bomber", in speech at Aeronautical Imposition in 
New 'iork, predicted that" a half-hourly airplane service be- 
tween New York and Philadelpnia will be established within a 
few weeks. Passenger service will be maintained between New 
York and Washington, Cleveland or Boston, and every two hours 
between New York and Chicago." He emphasized necessity of 
immediate building of terminals in all great cities. 

1. Dispatch from New York states that a break in the ranks of the 
New York Boat Owners' Ass'n. , wnose members are fighting a 
strike of harbor boat workers, was claimed Mar. 14 by T. L. 
Delahunty, Pres. of Marine Workers' Affiliation. 

2. Dispatch from Newark, IT. J. , Mar. 14, states that while re- 
presentatives of Public Service Rlwy. Co. and the 4,500 strik- 
ing motormen and conductors sought a settlement of strike 
through Nat'l War Labor Board, service on all traction lines 
in Nortnern N.J. remained at standstill. 

3. International Harvester Co. announces secret ballot will be 
taken by its 30,000 employees on question of adopting "Industrie 
Council" plan, giving tnem equal voice with l.anagment in 
shaping company's policies pertaining to working conditions, 
wage s , etc. 



No. 78 -3- March 15, 1919. 

Trade Relations 1. From press reports of conference of trade experts held in Pan- 

Americm Bldg. , w ashin<?ton, Mar. 13, it was evidenced that 
improved shipping and financial r elations are necessary to 
develop fully trade relations betwe m U. S. and Central and 
South American countries. 

2. Dispatch from New York states that leading oil producers, refi- 
ners, distributors and other petroleum interests in America^ 
Mexico and Canada, at meeting in New York Mar. 14, organized 
American Petroleum institute, designed to be to the petrolaum 
industry what American Iron and Steel Institute is to steel 
industry . 

FOREIGN 

Aviation 1. Cable dispatch from London Mar. 13 states that it is understood 
that experiments with an apparatus destined to be embodied in 
a helicopter airplane are being conducted secretly by authori- 
ties near London. The helicopter is a type of airplane which 
is capable of rising and descending vertically without "put ting 
its nose up" and able to hover in the air. 

2. Dispatch from London states that Brig. Gen. Seeley announced in 
House of Commons.', Mar. 13 that during war 8, GOO enemy airplanes 
were shot down by British air forces, while 2,800 British 
machines were missing. Stated that when armistice was signed 
England was turning out 4,000 airplanes a month. 

Finance Dispatch from Paris states that in speech in Chamber of Deputies 
Mar, 13, Louis Klotz, Minister of Finance, mentioned a future 
financial society- of nations, the plans of which have been dis- 
cussed and will be given out shortly, as only means for France 
to balance future 'budgets. 

Industry Stated by Wall St. Journal Mar, 13 that proposed tunnel under 
English Channel would require five years to complete and cost 
$100,000,000, according to authoritative estimate. In normal 
times cost of work would be about $80,000,000. 

Medicine Cable dispatch from London Mar. 13 says: "The newspapers say 

a serum has been found for influenza which has not failed in a 
single case. It is said to be the discovery of a London 
bacteriologist, proceeding on belief that the Pfeiffer bacillus 
is the real influenza germ." 

Mexico State Dept. advices Mar. 13 state that Mexican Congress has been 

called by Pres. Carranza to meet in extra session on May 1. 
Said business to be considered would include oil land legisla- 
tion, a law to enforce provisions of new constitution relating 
to labor and social welfare and legislation for a central bank. 

Readjustment A central authority has been set up by British Ministry of Muni- 
tions to supervise disposal of all surplus Gov't, property. 



: i. 



COUNCIL OF NATIONAL DEFENSE 
Reconstruction Research Division 




March 17. 1919. 



No. 79. 



DAILY DIGEST OF RECONSTRUCTION NEWS 



War Dept. 



Navy Dept. 



Interior Dept. 



Agricultural Dept. 



Labor Dept. 



1. Department announces Mar. 15 that officers and men demobilized 
number 1,419,386. Discharge has been ordered for 1,671,506. 

2. Announcement from London Mar. 15: "Americans are invading 
British universities. 2,000 student officers and men have 
arrived at Knotty Ash camp, Liverpool. Men are being assigned 
to various universities by Army Educational Commission, of 
which Dr. E. W. Pahlow is Director for United Kingdom." 

3. Medical Department of Army is preparing for exhibit in Army 
Medical Museum in Washington models in wax of various lesions 
of the skin, showing nature of wounds and diseases among U. S. 
troops during world war. 

Announced Mar. 15 that Department has "cut red tape" and made 
a payment of $10,000,000 to aid R. R. Admn. to meet its urgent 
obligations. This was largest single payment made by Navy 
Dept. during War period. 

Official announcement authorized by Dept. states that Sec. Lane 
is continuing efforts for soldier-settlement legislation, and 
homes are being planned for many thousands. Statement announ- 
ces that 32 states have already taken action by appropriate 
legislation or by appointment of committees to 6ooperate with 
Eederal Gov't, in connection with soldier-settlement plan of 
Interior Dept. Action so far reported to Dept. by States is 
summarized in statement published in Official Bulletin, Mar. 15. 

Dept. states that seed survey conducted in Great Britain has 
revealed fact that with but few exceptions the quantities of 
each of the kinds of agricultural and garden seeds available 
this season is greater than that available last season. 

1. Dir. Gen. Densmore, U. S. Employment Service, announced Mar. 16 
that maintenance of more employment bureaus than the 86 deter- 
mined upon when Federal Emp. Service was ordered reduced be- 
cause of lack of funds will be made possible by cooperation of 
volunteer workers. Mr. Densmore explained that heads of many 
State organizations had offered to continue at nominal salar- 
ies and their clerical staffs had arranged to conduct work 
during spare hours . 

2. With view to acquainting business interests of country with the 
condition of building industry, Div. of Information and Edu- 
cation sent out nearly 20,000 questionnaires to builders - , 
architects, manufacturers, banks, and other institutions 
throughout U. S. According to preliminary report 6,225 of 
these queries have been returned reporting public and private 
projects approximating total valuation of $1,708,736,936. 



No. 79 



■3- 



March 17, 1919. 



Labor Dept. 



Federal fieserve 
Board 



3. Dept. states that Newark, N. J. f is contemplating an industri- 
al clinic for benefit of great number of workmen employed there 
Officials of Working Conditions Service, Dept. of Labor, are 
cooperating with City in plans for establishment of clinic, 
which, it is expected, will have special evenings set aside 
each week on which examinations may be made by specialists. 

Board announces that Governors of the 12 Federal Reserve Banks, 
Executive Committee of Federal Reserve Advisory Council, and 
Federal Reserve Board will hold in Washington, Mar. 20, 31, 32, 
conference which Board characterizes as most important meeting 
since organization of Reserve system. Many questions arising 
out of financial and economic readjustments following war will 
be discussed. 



Federal Board for 
Vocational Education Board announced Mar. 6 a contribution of $150,000 by Elks' War 

Relief Comm'n, for extension of work of vocationally retrain- 
ing disabled soldiers, sailors and marines. 



American Red Cross 



3. 



Health 



Salvation Army 



Trade Relations 



U. S. Army, 



Dr. L. Farrand, Chrm. of Eentral Committee, states that Amer- 
ican boys and girls, through medium of their Junior Red Cross, 
and organization of 9,000,000 members are to play an active 
part in relieving distress of their brothers and sisters in war 
swept countries. 

Am2rican Red Cross has announced that it has established a 
weekly courier service between Paris and Treves and Coblenz for 
convenience of American Army of Occupation. 

Announcement made in Washington Mar. 1§" of establishment of 
U. S. Training Corps for Womdn. Object is better health for 
women to be gained through semi -military training. War and 
Navy Depts. have bben asked to lend vacated camps in different 
sections of country for purpose of health training. Announced 
that headquarters will be established at Chicago. 

Col. W m , Barker, in charge of all Salvation Army Workers in 
France, stated in New York Mar. 16 that Salvation Army, which 
has been sending many trained workers overseas since signing 
of armistice, is now preparing to meet new and increased re- 
sponsibilities at home during peace. 

Raport of Alien Property Custodian shows that Germany's control 
of zinc and lead markets of world and her tremendous interest 
in other metals have been broken in large part by release of 
American,, Mexican and So. American mines and smelters from the 
dominance of -German-owned corporations. 

Dispatch from Paris Mar. 15 states that 500 officers and en- 
listed men of A. E. F. have taken first action toward formation 
of an association of veterans of the world war admilar to G.A.R. 
LieutCol. Roosevelt is arranging for a caucus in U.S. on Apr. 13 



F R £ I G N 

Trade 



Dispatch from London Mar. 14 states that England will probably 
set up machinery similar to that of Federal Trade Comm'n. In 
U. S» to regulate the trusts and monopolies of United Kingdom. 



COUNCIL OF NATIONAL DEFENSE 
econs traction Research Division 

DAILY DIGEST OF RECONSTRUCTION 
CO. 80 




March 18, 1919. 



.'reasury Dept. 



War Dept. 



1. 



Commerce Dept. 



Labor Dept. 



2. 



Council of Nat'l 1. 
Defense 



Asst. Sec. Cooksey announced Mar. 17 that 1,400 of approxi- 
mately 16,000 clerks of War Risk Insurance Bureau had been 
discharged since Mar. 15. States that Bureau has funds to 
cover allotment and allowance checks to be sent out during 
remainder of March and during April. 

About 16,000,000 pounds of wool, representing a part of the 
surplus stocks held by Dept., will be offered for sale at 
Phila. Mar. 18, 19, 20, and 21. Another auction is to be 
held at Boston Mar, 25 to 29. 

Authority was given by Dept. Mar. 17 to officers and en- 
listed men of U, S. Army who served in armies of any co- 
belligerent to wear chevrons and badges denoting such ser- 
vice awarded them by that government. 

Grosvenor B. Clarkson, at request of Sec. Redfield, has 
called conference of men prominent in steel, iron and 
lumber industry, to meet in Washington Mar. 18 to fix 
prices on raw material by a reduction of margin to a peace 
basis and reach agreement with Gov't, on contracts for 
Navy, railroads, P. 0. Dept. and Shipping Board. 

Bureau of Naturalization stated Mar. 17 that it has set 
goal of citizenship classes to be established in U. S. at 
3,000 witnin next few months. Average weekly addition of 
cities to those conducting citizenship classes is 25. 
Raymond F. Crist, Deputy Commissioner of Naturalization, 
states that an increase of 100$ in the number of aliens 
reached by schools is thoroughly practicable during 
current year. 

Dept. announced Mar. 17 that a strike of soldiers, and 
^rouble involving workers in building trades at Atlanta, 
Ga. , has been brought to attention of Adjustment Service, * 
Dept. of labor, and Commissioner of Conciliation, W. D. 
Davidge, has been assigned to case in hope that early 
settlement may be reached. 

At conference of representatives of 14 organizations held 
Mar. 17 in office of N. A. Smyth, Asst. Dir. U. S. Employ- 
ment Service, representatives agreed that each of their 
organizations would at once send a message to their local 
units to redouble efforts and support to insure continuance 
of Federal Employment Service. 

Emergency Committee on Employment for Soldiers and Sailors 
organized by U. S. Council of Nat'l Defense neld first 
meeting in C. of Defense Bldg. Mar. 17. All members of 
Committee present. Col. Arthur Woods, special Asst. to 
Sec. of War, to handle employmBnt of discharged soldiers, 
presided. In outlining purpose and program of committee Col 
Woods said: "One of the chief functions of this comr/dttee 
will be to supplement and make more effective work of Federf-- 
Employment Service. I have already begun the work of 



* • ", » .. r 



i 



.: .'ttf:-.:i : :■ > 






.: ;.ir:;:-\. . <-\ 






-c; vv„ 



•>/ 



■ - 



i ... 



'. . i . A. 



"Ti-'J. 



*• ' ..... 



• ■ ; -. ■ . "i . 



1 1 J J 



"5- J ? A •■ 



./A 



. i l.. . • :. 






tr ifcA.i ' ■; : . 









3o. 30 -2- March 18, 1918 

Council of Nat'l organizing a field force made up largely of army officers tc 
Defense represent War Dept. in all sections of country. Reports of 

these field men together witn information we can obtain from 
centralized sources will be of great help to this, committee 

Chrm. appointed following Committee on Plans: Grosvenor B. 
Clarkson, Chairman, J. W. Hallowell, E. H. Greenwood, Col. 
Arthur Woods, ex officio. This Committee vvas instructed 
to gather together immediately all available information as 
to work being done, and prepare a comprehensive plan of 
operations for the Committee and submit it at next meeting. 

2. Council of Nat'l Defense announced Mar. 17 that 56,000 

physicians, members of Volunteer Medical Service Corps, will 
be released from service by dissolution of that organization 
April 1. All records will be placed in Library of Sur, Gen. 
of U, S. Army. 

Federal Reserve B^».rd 1. Board made public Mar. 17 summaries of reports from Federal 

Reserve agents throughout country in answer to questionnaire 
recently sent out to ascertain extent of business and indus* 
trial readjustment. Reports showed in general large stocks 
on hand by manufacturers and dealers and lessened demand, 
witn prices decreasing in many cases. 

2. Organization of a cooperative cotton export corporation, with 
a capitalization of perhaps $50,000,000 advocated Mar. 17 by 
Gov. W. P. G. Harding, of Federal Reserve Board, in letter to 
>^ Southern editor. Mr. Harding suggested that such a corpora- 

tion, organized under Webb act solely for foreign trade tran- 
sactions, could be financed to some extent by War Finance 
Corp. under recent appropriation of $1,000,000,000 to aid 
exporters. 

Snipping Board Stated by Board Mar. 17 that Pacific Coast Shipbuilders again 

are urging Board to relax restrictions against acceptance of 
foreign contracts by yards in tnis country. Reiterated Mar. 
17 at office of Shipping Board that as prohibition against 
construction of steel vessels for other countries than U. S. 
was in effect at direction of Pres. Wilson any changes made 
in regulations effective during war must be dictated by him. 
France, Italy and Scandinavian countries want to place con* 
tracts in U. S. to replace shipping lost in submarine warfare. 

A. F. of L. Delegates of metal trades union on Pacific Coast met in Wash- 

ington M»r. 17 with Pres. O'Connell, of Metal Trades Dept. of 
A. F. of L. , in effort to frame agreement for amicable settle- 
ment of labor questions with ship building companies. Con- 
ference will continue for several days. 

Prohibition Dispatch from New York Mar. 17 states that lager Beer Brewers' 

Board of Trade of New York, representing 42 brewing concerns 
in N. Y. and N. J. , anncunced_thajt^o^adyi_ce_^fj^u^ 
jnembe r_s ^ wx3U^_r^sume^a5IoE^Isale_of ^beer^cpn taining_2^i 
alcoholi5__contejit. This was forbidden byruUng_of_InteEQa} 
Revenue^ Bur eau, which~Tn^e^prete^ 
effective DecT^l, 1918T~" 



1 



No. 80 -3- Ifarch lb, lyl9 



U. S. Army Dispatch from Paris Mar. 17 states that representatives of 

A. E. F. who are meeting in Paris to form a society of veter- 
ans of the great war adopted a tentative constitution, wnich 
will be in force for the troops in France until a national 
convention provides a permanent constitution. It was decided 
to propose as name of organization, "The American Legion". 

FOREIGN 
Trade Relations Dispatch from London Mar. 17 states that the Federation of 

British Industries, representing 16,000 manufacturers and 
$25,000,000,000 capital, is organizing a great system of 
trade ambassadors as pioneers for extension of British trade 
overseas. By July Federation expects to have an ambassador 
in every important center. It is represented already in Spain, 
Denmark, So. Americav.and Near East. 



. ...- ;Ji.:j i 



t . 



::/y: : M ;.. . • . i 

' ... iiiTty Sill, .ifi .'1 






It:- 


*<i' ' •• , 


.-IS :.UiJ '^l r. :-., 




. .. ■ so* <- : ' 


-i JL *, .V 


,' 


, voi ■'■■ 


1! 


: *"> 


.* ;* x r ) ; ■ ' • - 


; :,>;.".. ■.:■ • 


*.' r 


.a.*. ..;.,;■: 


... ■'• i .:■,■'. .!!: Xvl 


ft US 


* 


* • . .... . < . . • - 



. * li . •/:.: f:.!' , ii.' 2. . ; , . . . "'- . . ■, ... 





GOUHTIL OF NATIONAL DEFENSE 
~ >„ instruct ion Research Division 

DAILY DIGEST I 
i'j. 81 



\J 1 \S^"1 ^rch 19, 1919 



International Dispatch from Paris Mar, 18 states that at close of conference 

between Pres. Wilson, Lloyd George, and M. Clemenceau, an- 
nouncement was made that no final decisions had been taken but 
that all main questions surrounding peace conference had been 
discussed, and plans contemplate completion of Peace Treaty 
vvitnin next fortnight. 

Treasury Dept. 1. Dept. announces that a credit of $2,410,000 has been estab- 
lished in favor of Belgium making a total of $340,555,000 for 
Belgium and $8,859,567,836 for all allies. 

2. Dept. announces that the greatest flying program U. S. has 
ever witnessed will be offered in c onnection with coming 
Victory Liberty Loan. 

War Dept. 1. Sec. Baker stated at Commercial Club, San Francisco, Mar, 18 

that the cost of the war in money alone was $197,000,000,000, 
or $11,000,000,000 more than the total property value of all 
of North America. . Deaths from wounds in battle numbered 
7,300,000 and total deaths in all armies reached 9,000,000, 
he said. 

2. Dept. reported Mar. 18 that 1,508,133 officers and men, exe- 
clusive of 24,000 Marines were in Europe - France, Germany 
and Russia. In U. S. there were 640,013 and at sea, 64,203, 
The force in Siberia numbered 8,970 with 47,218 in the insular 
possessions. Strength of American Army on Mar. 15 was 
2,268,537, a decrease of 1,402,351 since signing of armistice. 

3. Sur. Gen. Ireland stated Mar. 18 that with only 15,000 surgi- 
cal cases of the original casualties left overseas, if present 
rate at whicn men are being sent back be maintained, all 
wounded or injured American soldiers will be home by May 1. 

4. Announced Mar. 18 by Dept. that Maj. Gen. Ilenoher, Newly 
appointed Dir. of Air Service, is going to devote his energies 
to a staunch advocacy of building up and maintaining the ser- 
vice and particularly to assisting the civil development of 
the new science. 

5. Dispatch from Paris Mar. 18 states that docks, railroads, 
warenouses, hospitals and barracks built by A. E. F. to value 
of $165,000,000 will be sold to France for best figures 
American Liquidation Commission can obtain. 

P. 0, Dept. Dept, has called a business conference to be attended by 78 

postmasters of principal cities of country to be held in 
Washington April 1 to 3. Purpose of conference is to main- 
tain efficiency of postal service at highest possible 
standard, according to statement of 1st Asst. PuM.G. Koons. 



!•>. 81 



-2- 



Ltirch IS, 191 



Agriculture Dept. 



Labor Dept. 



R. R. Admn. 



War Trad© Board 



Food Admn. 



Labor 



According to representative o£ Dept. recently returned from e. 
tended trip through beet territory, prospects for 1919 sugar 
beet crop are excellent. Increased acreage of from 20% to 
25% over plantings of last year indicated. 

1. Under decision of Nat'l War Labor Board, made Mar. 18 by Joint 
Chairmen Taft, and Manly, women street car conductors of 
Cleveland, 0., R. R. Co., who were discharged Mar. 1, must be 
restored to their work, 

2. N. A. Smyth, Asst. Dir. Gen. U. S. Employment Service, an- 
nounced Mar. 18 that of 250,000 men discharged from Army during 
Feb., the service had found jobs for 57,000 or approximately 
22.8$. Of the total discharged, abx>ut 75,000 or 30% asked 

for assistance in finding employment. In week ending lifer. 
1, 1919, 52,000 men were discharged, and 18,000, or 34.6$ 
were placed by the Federal service. 

3. Director of Negro Economics records one of the most success- 
ful experiences in employment of negros ever undertaken in 
this country, in report of a large mfg. company operating 
17 plants in U. S. and Canada. At N. C. plant, 900 of the 
1,700 workers are negroes, Tne company expects soon to 
employ 1,200 negroes there. Total negro population of town 
is about 2,000. Housing problem has been met satisfactorily. 
A representative of Dept. of Labor has organized in N. C. 
plant a Negro Workers' Advisory Committee. 

War Finance Corp. Mar. 18 loaned $50,000,000 to Dir. Gen. 
Hines as first advance for R. R. Admn. since it was left 
without funds by failure of Congressional appropriation. 
Other loans will follow as rapidly as they can be arranged. 

Beard announces that general import license has been amended 
so as to exclude from its provisions all metal alloys con- 
taining tin, 

Admn. published statistics Mar. 18 showing that exports of 
food stuffs from U. S. to Allies, neutrals, Belgian Relief, 
Red Cross and A. E. F. during 1918 amounted to 5,005,987,010 
lbs, of which 2,500,000.000 lbs. were pork products and 
1,250,000,000 lbs. were beef products. During Jan., 1919, 
latest figures available showed that 434,812,025 lbs. were 
exported, an increase of 215,210,785 lbs. over Jan. 1918. 

1. Chas. W. Eliot, Pres, Emeritus of Harvard, at hearing on 
bill to appoint special commission to study hours of labor 
in Mass., said industrial salvation rested on principle of 
profit-sharing between employers and employees, whereby pay- 
roll should be oeld liable for deficits but profits over 
reasonable return on investment should be divided among 
workers and owners. 



■-.;.;' 'pi 



4. J r Av ' 



p- r. 



i . 



:o*< 






■ • ■*.::■ vo ... . . 
,\0 ; . ' . - 



;■) 






" . f-V :n: 



io. 81 



-3- 



March 19, 1019 



Labor 



FOREIGN 
Aviation 



Demobilization 1. 



Korea 



Rheims 



2. Dispatch from New York Mar. 18 states that a compromise 
settlement in controversy between Building Trades Employers' 
Ass'n. of N. Y. , holding contracts in several cities through^ 
out country and its carpenters, waa announced by Justice P.H. 
Dugro, wao was agreed upon as umpire. 

3. Dispatch from Indianapolis Mar, 18 states that the Policy Com- 
mittee of United Mine Workers of America adopted 3 fundamental 
principles recommended by International President F. J. Hayes, 
around which will be based miners' demands, to be presented to 
operators at conference immediately following signing of peace. 
3 principles are a 6 hour work day and 5 days a week, as sub- 
stantial increase on all existing tonnage, day work, yardage, 
dead work prices and Government ownership of mines , 

Paris dispatch Mar. 18 states that Maj. Gen. Seeley of British 
War office, Mar. 16 flew from Folkestone to Paris, a distance 
of 172 miles, in 74 minutes, establishing new record for 
fli.ght. 

Dispatcn from Melbourne, Mar, 17, states that the Commonwealth 
Gov't, is to provide approximately $2,500,000 for use by local 
governing bodies throughout Austrialia on works which will 
give immediate employment to returned soldiers. 

2, Dispatch from Sydney, Mar. 17, states that Premier Holman in 
speech Mar, 17 said that government intended to find employ- 
ment for 80,000 soldiers in New So. Wales. 

Dispatcn from Peking, Mar. 18, states that an American mis- 
sionary who has just returned from Korea describes indepen^ 
dence movement there as "the most wonderful passive resistance 
movement in history." 

Dispatch from Paris Mar. 18 states that the population of 
Rheims, which was 115,178 before the war, is now 8,453 accord*- 
ing to a census just completed by Govt. 



Trade 



Vital Statistics 



Consul Gen. Skinner cables from London that Minister of Muni- 
tions reports the follo<ving stocks, exclusive of old metal 
and scrap, in that country, on Mar. 1, in tons: copper, 
51,373; spelter, G.O.B., 27,444; spelter, refined, 8,860; 
aluminum, 13,004; soft pig lead, 100,063; nickel 2,332; 
antimony regulus 4,325. 

Dispatcn from London Mar. 18 states that according to report 
of Registrar General of Gt. Britain, for the first time since 
establishment of system of registration, deaths exceeded 
births in England and Wales in last quarter of 1918. In last 
quarter the births were 161,775 and deaths 241, 2le. 









■xc". 



' ; J. , 1 : 

' .1. :■ . . : . •-_ ».j I.. I'.. 



. ..; . 3 



/. .0 



• -1 .>-■:•: 



■>;■• S3 ! ' ' • 

'.. -■ -.-.1 ■..•■.••• . . 

. li!') ... .:■ 



il-U '■•■■ . , •• .': '. . . : 



• - 




Sl'iiT; 



. ..V. : ■ 1 







: iiljV ;.T!' i: 

- , ■ . t « 






. . . . V. . • 



■■ . . . 



j . 



i 01 * 






: j 1 ' 



■ *0 -V. ■■ 



i , . t . 



• •' is 



COUNCIL OF NATIONAL DEFUSE 
Reconstruction Research Division U ' A Mar. 20, 1919 

DAILY DIGEST OF ffiCON STRUCTION NE TTr S 
iJ o. '32. / y\ In 




Ql ^ 



International 1. Dispatch from Paris MarVi9 says: "The I&ieric^n delegation, it 

is said, plans to accept a limited number of amendments to the 
League of Nations covenant. (Sec. of State Lansing will pre- 
side over themeeting of delegates of neutral nations Mar. 20 
to hear their views on the situation." 

2. Dispatch from London Mar. 19 states that Marconi Co. announces 
establishments of wireless telephony between Ireland and Canada. 

Treasury Dept. Sec. Glass Mar. 19 approved regulations governing conversion 

of Soldiers' and Sailors' term insurance policies issued under 
War Risk Insurance Act, to permanent standard forms of insur- 
ance. 

,,r ar Dept. 1.. Dept. -announces amendment of regulations governing payment of 

$60 bonus to honorably discharged soldiers to permit acceptance 
by disbursing officials of a "true copy" of discharge certifi- 
cates. 

2, .Dept. authorizes publication of following cabled communication 

from Gen'l. Pershing: "Immediately on cessation of hostilities 
active asteps were taken to provide increased entertainment for 
troops, and particularly suitable entertainment every night in 
every important center occupied by our troops. This program has 
beenfor some time substantially carriedout . "' 

3, Sur. Gen. Ireland Mar. 19 selected Camp V'adsworth, S. C. , as 
asppcial hospital for tuberculosis patients. 

;4. Dept. announced Mar, 18 that Air Service Division of Office of 
Sur. Gen., created during war to handle medical problems con- 
nected with Aviation service, has be ^n discontinued, effedtive 
at once. Business heretofore transacted by this Division has 
been taken over by Air Service, under jurisdiction of its chief 
surgeon. 

Agriculture Dept. 1. Report of committee appointed by Sec. of Agriculture to con- 
sider plan of organization for Office of Farm Management, to 
outline the field of operation, and especially methods of pro- 
cedure in making cost-cf -production studies, statos that these 
studies are of value to the individual farmer and at same time 
are helpful in ascertaining the economic status of farming as 
an industry. 

2. A letter has been sent by Dairy Division of Dept. to 1,500 
Health officers in cities having over 5,000 population urging 
the city governments to supply the Health officers with proper 
laboratory equipment so that they can adequately guard the city 
milk supply. 

3. Reports on bean prices from Bureau of Markets show that beans 
have dropped 3 to 7# per lb. at wholesale since WLrch last 
year, and in California growers say that they will not sell if 
beans go any lower at shipping points. Plentiful supplies are 
reported in producing centers, and retailers are selling beans 
at reduced prices in many cities. 



No. 82 



. ->- 



March 20, 1919. 



Commerce Dept. 



Conference, begun Mar. 19 between Industrial Board of Department 
and representatives of steel and iron industry, and which will 
be continued Mar. 30, is expected to bring about a reduction in 
price of all forms of steel, stabilize the market and start 
construction and building work all over country. 

tabor Dept. 1. Controversies over working conditions involving several thousand 

fishermen along Atlantic seaboard between Provincetown and Port- 
land, including employees of Gloucester fisheries and many of 
those in Boston fishing fleet, ware referred Mao 19 to Nat'l War 
Labor Board for settlement. 

3. Department states Mar. 30 that, according to statistics gathered 
by it, there are how being held, up for various reasons, 3,226 
public projects, approximating more than $1,250,000,000. There 
are also 2,000 private projects upon which work is being delayed. 
These approximate $500,000,000 of construction work. This hold 
up of public and private construction work is apportioned among 
all the states* 

3. Division of Public Works and Construction Development calls 
attention to fact that bids just opened in Bureau of Yards and 
Docks of Navy Dept., for construction of Seamen and Navigation 
Building in Annapolis, Md., indicate that building estimates 
now current may be too high. The Department's estimate for 
this granite building is $800,000. 18 of the responsible general 
contractors of country bid on job and all but one submitted 
figures below Department estimate. 

Federal Board for 
Vocational Education Board announced Mar. 19 that it is now able to offer vocational 

retraining to American citizens who were disabled while serving 
in armies of Allied Nations, through several large donations 
to a "gift fund" authorized by Congress* 



European Relief 



League of Nations 



Trade Relations 



Dir. Gen. of Relief reports that arrival of foodstuffs in Czecho- 
slovakia began on Fab» 20; that between that date and Mar. 1, 
1,365 tons of fluur wsre delivered, and from Mar. 1 to Mar. 11 
2,770 tons of flour and 500 tons of fat had arrived in Bohemia. 

Dispatch from Boston Mar. 19 reports Senator Lodge as saying, 
in reply to question of Pres. A. L. Lowell, of Harteard, during 
their debate on League of Nations convenant, \?a*% 19 ' "If the 
Leasue shall be put in such shape that it will promote peace 
instead of breeding disorder and will work no injustice to these 
United States, I will support it ( " 

Con. Gen*l Skinner cables from London: "Following a statement 
made Mar, 17 in House of Commons regarding import and export re- 
strictions, Board of Trade issues notice there will be no restric- 
tions on exports to countries not included in blockade area, ex- 
cept as regards goods for naval and military purposes, goods re- 
quired for home consumption or home manufactures, and goods which 
are directly or indirectly benefited by subsidy or grant.****" 



:.;. J 






\n ::.. 



') 



" '•• } n.. -•■/./ 



..-.£. ; 



* :: v* ...J 



.-: yj. 



«v ;„•. 






t i .. rtf < t,vs ,'.sRi 
. : ■ ■ i ■ . . '. 



•A :.:: :■■ 




.:.r 



t 

■ r 



fit' 



..T 



,* . 



■•■•-■: : ,-/ 



■l.i. .-. i 






COUNCIL OF NATIONAL DEFENSE 
Reconstruction Research Division 




<£ 



y>~i 



Mar. 21, 1919 



No. 83 



DAILY DIGEST OF R ECONSTRUCTION/NEWS 



7 



International 



State Dept. 
Treasury Dspt, 



War Dept, 



Dispatch from Paris announces that for purposes of gaining an 
insight into conditions in Bolshevist Russia, American Mission 
has authorized visit of 3 investigators; who go with direct 
relations to delegation, although without official status. 
Men are Wm. Bullett, Lincoln Steffans and Walter Weyl. 

Dept. makes public personnel of Interallied Committee and ffiech- 
nical and Military Boaras of the Siberian Railway System. 

1. Dept. announces postponement until April 3 or 10 of next offer- 
ing of Certificates of Indebtedness. 

2. According to monthly statement of Farm Loan Board, loans total- 
ing approximately $14,799,800 were made to 4,209 farmers through- 
out W. S. by Federal Land Banks on long-time first mortgages 
in February. 

1. Department announced Mar, 21 that artillery projects for the 
Army contemplate expenditure of $48,243,855 for guns of various 
types, 

2. Department announced Mar. 21 that settlement of claims invol- 
ving detailed inventories and reviews of accounts is slowing up 
cancellations of war contracts. Statement showed that of 
$2,941,000,000 Sn contracts recommended for cancellation the 
actual closing out had reached a total of $185,132,068 on Feb. 27. 

3. Maj. A, G. Crane, Div. of Physical Reconstruction, office of 
Surgeon General, stated at international conference on rehabi- 
litation of the disabled, held in New York under auspices of 
the Red Cross, that approximately 50,000 American soldiers, dis- 
abled in world war, have taken advantage of Government's pro- 
gram for vocational training. 

4. Lt. Col. Martin stated before Washington Academy of Sciences 
Mar. 20 that the ration of the U. S. soldier was larger than 
that of the soldiers of any of the associated powers. 

5. Announced Mar. 20 that medical staffs of Army hospitals in N.Y. 
wiift conduct novel experiment in psychotherapy on Mar. 25, when 
parade of 27th Division will be held in New York. Soldiers 
suffering loss of memory and nervious collapse will be assigned 
places on line of march in hope, that sight of soldiers on the 
march will have desired psychological effect and send to bring 
back memories. 

agriculture Dept.l. Department announced Mar. 20 that 4 Department experts left 

Mar. 20 will exhibits for demonstration among American soldier- 
in France in connection with educational service of Y. M. C, A 
Purpose is to foster better farming systems among soldier-far- 
mers of army and to interest non-farming men in agricultural 
enterprises. 



■; . : 



;.i 



"Jo. 83 



-P- 



I'larch 31, 1919. 



Agricultural Dept. 



Commerce Dept. 



Labor "Dept* 



2. Department announces that with full State cooperation accord- 
ing to terms of Federal-Aid Road Act, the U. S. will have a 
total of at least $574,000,000 for cooperative road building 
during next three years. Federal part of this fund is assured 
by an extx-a appropriation of $209,000,000 in P. 0. Appropria- 
tion Bill recently passed by Congress. 

1. Agreement upon a new schedule of steel prices, providing a re- 
duction in present quotations for the commoditj', was reached 
Mar. 20 by representatives of steel industry and Industrial 
Board. New prices are for 1919 and are effective at once. 

2. Report of Census Bureau shows 11,888,128 running bales ginned 
for season, or 12,022,601 equivalent 500 lb. bales, compared 
with Government's estimate of 11,700,000 bales, published last 

December. 

1. U. S. Employment Service stated Mar, 20 that reports received 
on conditions of unemployment throughout u". S. show that there 
is an increase in unemployment for current week, as well as 
heavy increase in area of unemployment. Last week 63?o of cities 
reporting on labor conditions reported surplus of labor; this 
week 69% report serious condition of unemployment . Only 6% 

of cities report any shortage of labor, and 25$ report apparent 
equality of supply and demand. 

2. U. S. Employment Service stated Mar. 20 that simultaneously with 
discontinuance of hundreds of U. S. Employment Service offices 
throughout country, caused by lack of funds to carry on work of 
placing returned soldiers and sailors in employment, public 
spirited citizens, municipal corporations, State legislatures, 
trade and civic bodies are volunteering their financial support 
in order that the Services offices in their community may remain 
intact. Firs-t city to "go over the top" in financing its Em- 
ployment offices is St. Paul. Welfare organizations in Chicago, 
where Employment Service is closed all but two offices, vas a 
close second to St. Paul in prompt support. Hundeeds of sol- 
diers are placed weekly through Chicago oft ices. Through effort 
of welfare organizations several additional offices will be 
maint?ined there. Labor organizations in Oregon and Washington 
will maintain enough of -ices in these two states to enable Ser- 
vice to return to employment practically all unemployed dis- 
charged men. In Texas a bill providing $35,000 to continue Ser- 
vice offices until July 1 was unanimously passed by Senate Mar, 
19 and passage by House is expected Mar. 21. 11 states so far 
have voliuiteered assistance and through their efforts Fciploy- 
ment Service will continue to assist jobless soldiers cind 
sailors. 

3. U. S. Employment Service announced Mar. 20 that National League 
for w oman'3 Service, comprising upward of 3, 000,000. members, in 
resolution endorsing Federal Employment Service, has offered 
its cooperation and financial support pending next session of 
Congress. 



No, 83 



-3- 



Mar. 31, 1919. 



Labor Dapt. 4. Report of Employers' Industrial Commission sent abroad by Dept. 

to investigate reconstruction problems s^id in cable message 
Mar. 20 that racent London strikes wera chiefly an expression 
of desire of workers for complete change in policy of Govarnmanl 

5. Department issues report Mar. 20 showing that price of food for 
U. S. shows decline of 6% on Feb. 15 as compared with Jan. 15, 
1919. 26 articles otit of 42 on which prices were sent to Bureau 
were cheaper in February than they wsre in January. Greatest 
decreases during month ware in eggs and butter. In Feb., 1919, 
cost of all articles of food combined was 9$ higher than in 
Feb. 1918. 

Board announces for information of exporters in U. S. that it 
has been informed that British Government has issued a general 
import license which exempts all raw ma^rials. 

Dir. Gen. Hines announces that dividends and interest on rail- 
road stocks and bonds due April 1, amounting to approximately 
$70,000,000, will be met by Administration by issuance of cer- 
tificates of indebtedness to companies. v -'ar Finance Corpora- 
tion will make cash advances to companies on certificates. 



War Trade Board 



R. R. Admn. 



2. Admn. states that while strike difficulties at port of N. Y. for 
week ending Mar. 13 continued/ inter" fere somewhat with movement 
of overseas traffic, there were 9,937 carloads of export food 
on hand at North Atlantic ports, compared with 9,951 cars as of 
Mar. 4. 



Shipping Board 1 , 



Food Admn. 



American 
Red Cross 



2. 



Board has invited bids for vast quantity of oil to meet demands 
of Board for liquid fuel for coming year, when oil men must 
supply 1,428,000,000 gallons. Board states that needs in future 
will be many times the number of gallons mentioned. 

Executive Council of National Merchant Marine Ass'n. Mar. 20 
asked Shipping Board to remove prohibition against American 
shipyards accepting orders for foreign account. 

Dispatch from New York Mar. 20 states that at meeting of 
executive officers of Food Admn. a cablegram from H. Hoover, 
expressing regret that this oountry had abandoned stabilization 
of hog prices and urging continuation of stabilization in sugar, 
cotton seed productions and wheat, was discussed. 

1. Red Cross announces that knitting materials to value of 
$2,316,445 are to be shipped immediately to American Red Cross 
Commission in France, These goods, which include more than 
900,000 lbs. of yarn and a large supply of knitting needles, are 
to be distributed in war-swept countries. 

2. Red Cross announces placing order of 30,000 chairs and 10,000 
tables with Junior. Red Cross for use of refugees in Northern 
France. These articles of furniture «rs to be manufactured by 
100, 000 boys working in manual training shops in U. S. 



' i 



flo. 83 -4- March 21, 1919. 



Church Council of Nat'l Dafense received Mar. 31 "1919 Year Book of 

the Churches". Edited by Clyde F. Armitage, Published for Fed- 
eral Council of Cfturches of Christ in America, by Missionary 
Education movement. 378 pages. Covers year 1918, Cont lins 
directory of religious bodies; directory of Interchurch and 
kindred bodies; general information on war work commissions cf 
religious bodies; list Of Army and Navy chaplains; number of 
churches, Sunday schools; property values, etc. 

Shipping Sen, Ransdell of Louisiana, Pres. of Nat'l Merchant Marine 

Ass'n., stated Mar. 30 that that organization is now prepared 
to inaugurate an intensive campaign in interest of an American- 
owned, American-managed and jimerican-manned Merchant Marine. 

Trade Relations Official advices State that the special Chilean commercial 

mission to U. S., Great Britain, France and Italy will arrive 
in Washington about May 1. Mission while in this country will 
consult with leading business men, manufacturers and bankers, 
as well as with officials of Depts.of State and Commerce and 
other officials in Washington. 

FOREIGN 

Labor Dispatch from London Mar, 31 states that A, Eonar Law, govern- 

ment spokesman, in statement in House of Commons Mar, 30 said 
that government had accepted report of special coal commission, 
including its undertaking to report on question of nationaliza- 
tion by May 30 and to issue interim reports from time to time 
on problem of improvements in coal industry. Proposals of this 
nature would be put into immediate operation, said Mr. Law. 
This involved continuance of coal control for two yeara. 

Par Cost Dispatch from Paris Mar. 30 states that Canada has completed 

her war cost estimates for submission to Reparations Commission. 
It is understood that amount will exceed $ 1,500, 000, 000. 




o 






COUNCIL OF NATIONAL DEFENSE 
Reconstruction Research' Division 

DAILY DIGEST OF EEC OBSTRUCTION NEWS. 
No. 84 



March 22, 1919, 



Treasury Dept. 1. 



2. 



3. 



War Dept, 



1. 



Commissioner of Internal Revenue Roper announced Mar. 21 a 
readjustment of salaries of Collectors of Internal Revenue 
rated upon volume of business in each of 64 collection dis- 
tricts as represented by number of taxable returns filed in 
each district. 

Dir. Lindsley, War Risk Insurance Eureau, at meeting of 
National Ass'n. of Life Underwriters, Mar. 21, made a strong 
plea to life insurance men of country to rally to assistance 
of government in approaching campaign to prevail upon soldiers 
and sailers to retain and convert into permanent form policies 
of insurance issued them under War Risk Insurance Act. 

Department announced Mar. 21 that an additional credit of 
$75,000,000 was given Italy Mar, 21, bringing Italian loans 
up to $1,496,500,000 and total credits to all Allied nations 
to $8,932,410,660. 

Acting Sec. Crowell announced Mar, 21 decision of War Dept. to 
proceed with purchase of sites of 15' army camps and 13 balloon 
and flying fields over country. With these purchases com- 
leted Army will have 30 training camps, including original 16 
cantonments and 19 aviation centers. 



2. Department issued table Mar, 21 which shows casualties in the 
U. S. Air Service personnel serving with American and Allied 
armies at front, number 554. Of total 171 were killed in com- 
bat. 

3» Dept. announces that public auction sales of surplus army 

horses and mules conducted by Remount Div. up to Mar. brought 
a total of $11,414,997 to government for 96,548 animals. 

4. Dept. announced Mar, 31 that motor truck manufacturers have 
delivered to Department 96,551 trucks of all types out of 
orders for 115,137 that remain to be filled after cancellation 
Of contracts had been made* Of trucks delivered 51,884 were 
shipped overseas, 

5. Adj. Gen. Harris issues special report telling how 80,000 
civilians were trained for commissions in U.S. Army in world 
war. 



Agriculture Dept.l, 



In nation-wide campaign Department urges maintenance of home 
gardens to meet continued need for food. Officials state 
that need for home production of vegetables continues. 






., t <.,-•> 



i i < , . . r , 



■ 
• . i- 



. 



•:1 . 



1 i 



• .:■: 






No. 84 



-2- 



March 22, 1919 



Agriculture Dept. 2, 



Labor Dept. 



3. 



Commerce Dept, 1. 



2, 



1, 



2. 



Department issued announcement Mar. 20 stating that: "Such 
an observance of Arbor Day as will secure a wide spread 
planting of trees dedicated to those whose lives have been 
sacrificed in the great struggle to preserve Alb ri can rights 
and the civilization of the world, " is advocated by Sec. 
Houston in letter sent to governors of states. 

Department announced Mar. 21 that under stimulus of war- time 
demands meat production reached enormous total of 23, 366, 000 pOG 
lbs. last year. Department states that meat production snowed 
increase of about 5,000,000,000 lb a. laat year, compared with 
1900. 

What amounted practically to price-fixing for basic steel 
products was reached Mar. 22 at final conference between In- 
dustrial Board and representatives of iron and steel industry 
of U. S. Substantial reductions were shown in new prices as 
officially announced. Reductions become effective at once. 

Editorial comment in press of Mar. 22 indicates that industrial 
situation is rapidly improving as result of application of 
price-ascertainment method evolved by Government. Increased 
buying of steel is predicted as certainty. Assurance is alao 
given of employment of labor at high prices and spreading of 
feeling of confidence throughout whole business world* 

State House Commission, Trenton, N.J. , announced Mar. 19 that 
it has appropriated 5,000 a month to enable continuance of 
Federal Municipal State Employment Bureau, notwithstanding 
withdrawal of support by Federal authorities. 13 agencies 
have been established in State. 

Announced March 20 by Rev. E. 0. Watson, Chairman of Special 
Committee organized by General War-Time Commission of Churches, 
that 35 religious organizations, representing 135,000 individ- 
ual churches and church institutions, have offered tneir aid 
to U. S. Employment Service, and will help organization both in 
service and money. 



Council of Nat'l 
Defense 



Dir. Clarkson received statements Mar. 21 from various governors 
mayors, state officials regarding state, municipal and local 
action concerning maintenance of U. S. Employment Service. 
Among others: Gov. Edge, of N. J. , wirad that State is arrang- 
ing to assume necessary expenses to continue full service of 
Federal, State, and Municipal Employment Agencies; Gov. 
Burnquist, of Minn. , wrote that employment question is receiv- 
ing consideration of commercial organizations and public 
officials; Mayor Mills of Denver wrote that Citizens Comnittee 
has beenappointed to wait upon Governor to tahe up question 
of maintenance of Federal Emp. Service; Sec. Talbot, N, J. 
State Council of Defense, wrote that there are at present 17 
regularly organized soldiers and sailors bureaus in St<a.te and 
that with Dept. of Labor and Council of National Defense 
cooperating this number will be increased materially; Mayor 
Preston of Baltimore wrote that eLiployment is being found lor 



.» li. 



u- ... 



.vl.' 



84. 



-3- 



March 22, 193.9 



^-incil of Nat'l all Baltimore -'.en who volunteered or were drafted; Dr. £.'• J. 
Defense Scott, in cnarge of Negro matters for Sec. of V.'ar, stated 

that he would like to cooperate with Council's Emergency 
Employment Committee in reaching negro group; Chairman Hines, 
Kentucky Council of Defense wrote that he has sent bulletins 
to all country councils; C. M. Reed, Soc» to Gov. Allen of 
Kansas wrote that State is preparing to bring into cooperation 
all volunteer agencies necessary in placing soldiers; Mrs. B. 
Moskowitz, Sec. of Reconstruction Comm'n. of N. Y. State, sent 
report made to Governor asking for appropriation of $50,000 
to tide over State Employment System; Mayor Couzens of Detroit 
wrote that the matter is well in hand there and states that 
office of U. S. Employment Service is very efficient* 

Federal Reserve Board 1. Governors of Federal Reserve Banks at conference in Wash- 
ington Mar. 21 expressed opinion that foreign exchange situa- 
tion would tend strongly to diminish exports temporarily, 
although they did not look for permanent interference with 
export trade. 



War Trade Board 



Shipping Beard 



2, Board issues information regarding safeguarding of capital and 
warns against dangers of doubtful investments in periods of in- 
dustrial readjustment, 

3. Board lifer. 21 ordered removed until further notice all restric- 
tions on sale or purchase of Italian lira exchange by dealers 
as described in President's executive order of J^n. 26, 1918, 
covering foreign exchange restrictions. 

Announces that the import restrictions heretofore existing 
upon importation of rice for consumption in U, S. have been 
removed, effective Mar. 17. 

Stated by experts of Board that readjustment of ship building 
costs to peace-time production is expected to establisn a 
basic price in neighborhood of $150 a ton for future contracts 
let to American yards. Stated that recent conference between 
Gen. Mgr. Piez of Emergency Fleet Corp. and representatives of 
Pacific coast builders was said to have developed virtual 
unanimity of opinion that high cost methods of production 
should be eliminated to obtain a return to sound business 
practice. 

Federal Board for Voca- 
tional Education Board states that of 787 disabled veterans being reclaimed 

free of charge by Government a considerabled number are in the 
professions. Two men have taken up theology, 54 are study- 
ing engineering, 21 taking mechanical drawing and 8 men are 
qualifying as doctors. Others are studying architecture, 
chemistry, foreign trade, law, music, salesmanship, etc. 
Elementary academic courses are being taken by 23 illiterates. 



!»• 



»■•• '. :;'.-/• 



.-.■>' »'.; , .. 






. ji. i, 1.1: 









i : : i • 






..) -i-j ; .\; 



No. 84 



-4- 



March 22, 1919 



Communi cation 



Labor 



Dispatch from Montreal Mar. 21 states that the wireless tele- 
phone is to be put in practical commercial use in that city. 
Instruments will enable business men to talk with Kingston, 
Ottawa, Quebec, etc. 

At conference of union heads with Fuel Admr, Garfield and 
T. L, Howe, Sec. to Asst, Sec of Navy Roosevelt, striking 
members of Marine Workers' Affiliation who have refused to 
man harbor craft operated by private owners until their de- 
mand for 8-hour day is granted, agreed not to interrupt 
transport service and to do all in power to expedite govern- 
ment business t 



Political and Social 
Science 



Council of National Defense received Mar. 22 The Annals of the 
American Academy of Political and Social Science, Mar. 1919, 
Subject, Industries in Readjustment. 380 pages, Index. 



Trade Relations 



3, 



1« Dispatch from Con, Gen. Skinner, London, states that British 
Board of Trade has cancelled from Mar, 31 all orders relating 
to purchase of imported timber abroad, and also has withdrawn 
prices for both imported and home-grown supplies other than 
pit wood. 

Con, Gen. Skinner cables tnat British Board of Trade has re- 
voked raw cotton order respecting East Indian, Peruvian, 
and all growths of cotton except American and Egyptian. 

Information has been received from official representative 
of Australian Dept. of Trade and Customs in N. Y, that dyes 
at present on water, or which will be shipped from country 
of export before June 1, in execution of orders placed prior 
to Feb. 26, will be admitted upon arrival in Australia* 



Woman Organization 



Mrs. C. C, Catt, Pres. American Woman Suffrage Ass'n. , stated, 
Mar. 31, that organization of a union of national scope which 
will unite women of country for effective action in carrying 
out legislative programs in interest of women will be the 
important work of Jubilee Convention of Nat'l Woman's Suffrage 
Convention which opens in St. Louis, Mar. 24. 



I, . I 



■ I 



I J 



... 




COUNCIL OF NATIONAL DEFENSE 
■c construction Research Division 

DAILY DIGFST OF RECONSTRUCTION NEWS 
No. 85 / 



March 24, 1919 



international 



U. S. Congress 



Treasury Dept. 



War Dept. 



Justice Dept. 



Agriculture Dept. 



Dispatch from Paris Mar, 22 states that the Peace Conference 
Comni'n on League of Nations at its meeting at American head- 
quarters under chairmanship of Pres. Wilson completed con- 
sideration of eight articles of League covenant, the changes 
being formal. 

Monthly Compendium of U. S. Congress, issued Mar. 22, shows 
that 65th Congress appropriated approximately $57,000,000,000, 
passed 349 public laws, 48 public resolutions, 48 private 
laws and conducted 32 Congressional investigations. A total 
of 22,594 bills and resolutions were introduced, of which 
16,684 originated in the House and remainder in Senate. 
President Wilson vetoed 5 measures. 

Commissioner of Internal Revenue Roper announced Mar. 22 that 
collections from first quarterly installment of income and 
profits taxes due on Mar. 15 amounted to $1,001,224,000 in 63 
of the 64 collection districts. 

1. Department authorizes statement from Di.T. of Air Service ex- 
plaining organization, in Official Bulletin, Mar. 21. 

2. According to statement issued by Ma j . Gen. Mclntyre, Acting 
Chief of Staff, U. S. Army, which had a strength of 
3,670,888 men when armistice was signed, had decreased Mar. 
18 to a strength of 2,199,173, or 40$. 

3. Department announces that a conference between officials of 
companies manufacturing explosives and representatives of 

.office of Dir. of Sales, was recently held in N. Y. City. 
Tentative arrangements were made whereby a surplus of approxi- 
mately 50,000,000 lbs. of ammonium nitrate and 102,440 lbs. 
of fulminate of mercury will be disposed of by these companies 
for War Dept. 

Announced Mar. 22 that Department is releasing 500 Germans 
from interment camps in tnis country. Explains that these 
interned Germans are not considered dangerous to country, 
and were interned for infringement of regulations and not be- 
cause of efforts to injure U. S. during war* 

1. Sec. Houston presents survey Of world food situation in 
article in Wash. Star, Mar. 23. States that in last year of 
war farmers planted, in leading cereals, 40,000,000 acres 
more than they did in peace times. In 4> years of war 
farmers increased every leading class of live stock - hogs 
by 16,000,000; cattle by over 8,000,000. 

2, Bureau of Chemistry states that it is seeking men with ex- 
perience in art of dyeing and usp of colors for work in its 
color experimental laboratory. 



85 -2- March 24. Ial9 



ox Dept. 1» U, S. Employment Servicg announced Mar. 23 that of approximat' 

ly 45,000 men discharged from Army during last week, 20,575 
applied to Bureau for Returning Soldiers for help in finding 
jobs, and 17,118 were referred to places, the returns showing 
that at least 16,000 were placed. 

2. Department announces that for the week ending Mar. 15, 4 
strikes, 15 disputes and 1 lockout were brought to attention 
of Adjustment Service. 

3. Department states that official inf ormation reaching Bureau of 
Naturalization is to effect that Hawaiian Legislature has inv 
troduced bill appropriating $10,000 for Americanization of 
aliens living in that territory who are eligible to citizen- 
ship. Minnesota recently passed a similar law, and, all told, 
there are perhaps a half dozen states which have adopted such 
legislation. 

4. U. S, Employment Service announces that employment conditions 
in South and south-east are generally better than those in 
most sections of country. 

5. Div. of Public Works and Construction Development is authority 
for statement that there has been a revision and enlargement 
of road-building plans in almost every State in Union since 
signing of armistice. States that road-building authorities 
are predicting that 1919, 1920, and 1921 will prove the great- 
est in country's history in matter of road construction. 

6. A memorandum from Economics Section of Div. of Public Works, 
in which February figures are compared with those of pre-war 
years, states that on the basis of the money value of con- 
tracts let during February, building and construction work 
rapidly is approaching normal for this season of year. 

7. Department announces Mar, 24 that conference will be held 
in Washington under auspices of Children's Bureau during 
week of May 6. Subject of (inference, "What the War has Taught 
the World Concerning the Health, Education and Work of Chil- 
dren. " 

Civil Service Conm'n. Commission states Mar. 24 that U. S. Army Mine Planter service 

will hold open competitive examinations on May 5, 1919, for 
the warrant officer grades of master, first mate, and second 
mate aboard army mine planters. About 30 positions are to be 
filled. 

Federal Beserve Board Board announced Mar. 22 that Government deposits in Federal 

Reserve Banks ^ere increased by $155,00.0000 last week, and 
deposits of members increased $70,300,000, while ratio of 
reserves to net deposits and Federal Reserve note liabilities 
went up two-ten toe • of 1^. 

Federal Trade Comn'n, Commission reports that paper stocks held by mills increase 

during February with the exception of hanging, felt and bui 
ing papers. 



./-•" L 



;v-i.: •->*■ 



l.-. 



No 



.j£~ 



-3- 



I larch 24, 1919 



Shipping Board 



War Trade Board 



Fuel Admn. 



American Red Cross 



Y. M. C. A. 



Announced that builders of wooden ships along Atlantic and 
Gulf coasts vvill confer with Chairman Hure?.y Mar. 25 on ad- 
justment of contracts cancelled by Shipping Jioard, as out- 
standing claims. Shipping -poard by cancelling all contracts 
and stopping construction estimates a saving of from 
$30,000,000 to $100,000,000. 

Board announces that general import license has been extended 
to include within its scope shipments made from Japan and all 
her possessions, colonies, and protectorates. 

Admn. announces that plans for more effective cooperation be- 
tween the Government and the coal industry have been submitted 
in referendum form to members of Nat'l Coal Ass'n., represent- 
ing three-fourths of country's bituminous production. 

American Red Cross has arranged for immediate shipment to its 
Siberian Commission of 589,696 yards of bath-robing and 
29,740 blankets the whole valued at $520,810. 

Dispatch from New York states that girl Y.M.C.A. secretaries 
are being recruited with all possible speed in Eastern Depart- 
ment. 11 camps and naval bases are in urgent need of "Y" 
secretaries. 



War Camp Community 
Service 



According to statement authorized by W. C, C. Service thousands 
of jobs are open for soldiers w/ho are willing to work on farms. 



Cnamber of Commerce 
of U.S. 



Aviation 



Cnamber of Commerce of U. S. announces that it will establish 
in Washington a national headquarters of a bureau to assist in 
obtaining jobs for discharged soldiers. States that acountry- 
wide survey of situation will begin at once. Action taken 
at instance of War Dept. 

Stated that Gov't, has on hand between 35,000,000 and 50,000, 
000 feet of veneers, between 6,000,000 and 10,000,000 ft. of 
waterprcaf plywood and large quantity of spruce, as part of 
aero material. 



FOREIGN 
" Food 



Dispatch from Paris Mar. 23 states that a decree issued Mar en 2 i 
by Food Admn. removes restrictions on trading in milk, butter, 
milk products and confectionery. 



Hungary 1. Cable dispatch from Budapest Mar. 22 states that Hungarian 

Cabinet, headed by Count M. Karolyi , has resigned leaving 
Government to the proletariat. 



2, The Budapest government is reported to be signing a proclamation 
acknowledging state of war between Hungary and the Entente, 
says dispatch to London Evening Telegraph from Vienna. 



w 

^ 






COUNCIL OF NATIONAL DEFENSE 
Reconstruction Research Division I.^rcn 25, lfclfc. 

DAILY DIGFST OF RECONSTRUCTION NEWS 
No. 86 



— - i 



State Dept. Department has wired California-Mexico Lund Co. of Los Angeles 

that consummation of alleged negotiations for sale of 800,000 
acres of land in Lower California to Japanese interests vri.ll 
not be tolerated. 

Treasury Dept. 1. Pres. Wilson has informed Sec. of Treasury Glass that he vri.ll 

allot sufficient funds from nis emergency fund to meet im- 
mediate needs of War Risk Insurance Bureau. 

2. Sec. Glass dcncuncss that eighth bi-weekly offering of Certifi- 
cates of Indebtedness w„s over-subscribed $42,000,000. 

3. Sec. Glass states that Victory Loan will be last popular loan, 
and Liberty Loan organizations will be disbanded at its con- 
clusion, ana further financing will be conducted through a 
Bond Bureau which will be created in Treasury Dept. 

4. States Mar, 24 that Internal Revenue Bureau will give full 
weight to evidence obtained by Industrial Board of Department 
of Commerce in arranging agreements for price reductions, in 
revising tax returns of industrial corporations in respect to 
shrinkages in inventory values. 

War Dept* 1. Educational work in A, E. F. is explained and urged in general 

order recently issued by Commander in Chief. To be found in 
Official Bulletin, 3-22-19. 

2, According to report of Sur. Gen. for week ending Mar. 14, the 
health of troops, botn-ut nome and abroad, snows continued im- 
provement. 

3, New regulations designed to secure more uniformity in dis- 
posing of insane patients have been secured from office of 
Sug, Gen. Unless it is demonstrated that soldiers suffering 
from insanity either are incurable or will require a long 
period of treatment they .ri.ll not be transferred to Government 
Hospital for insane* 

4, Dept. states that every food luxury possible is being sent to 
overseas troops. 

Post Office Dept. Weight limit of parcel post packages between Brazil and U. S. 

has been increased from 11 lbs. to 20 lbs. Postage rate will 
reu-in at 12^ a lb. 

Commerce Dept. Gee. N. Peek, Chrrn. of Industrial Board, predicted lower food 

prices in relatively near future, in conference with Food Adnn. 
officials in New York Mar. 24. Stated that there had been a 
general misunderstanding of Mr. Hoover's recent statement that 
wheat might go to $3.50 a bu. 



No. 86 



March 2 5, 1919. 



Labor Dept. 



Stdta universities throughout U. S. have entered into coopera- 
tion with Bureau of Naturalization to further its campaign of 
•Americanization for applicants for naturalization through publii 
schools. At conference in Chicago, Deputy Comm'r. of Natura- 
lization R. Ft Crist met representatives of all State univer- 
sities and arranged for program of work through extension de- 
partments whereby public interest will be stimulated in natur- 
alization work as an important feature of post-wa,r rehabilit. - 
tion. 



War Trade Board 1. As of date Mar. 21 Board announces 15 additions to end 10 re- 
movals from Lnemy Trading List. 

2. Board announces that it has been informed that prohibition of 
importation into Jamaica of motor cars, motor car parts and 
accdssories, furniture and perfumery has been removed and that 
such commodities may bow be imported into Jamaica. 

3. Board announces that it has been informed that the prohibition 
imposed August 1, 1918, upon importation into Trinidad and To- 
bago has been removed. 

R.R. . >.dmn, 1. Admn. T s Agricultural Section is planning to resume work on 

farm development. Program interrupted by war is to be taken 
up in cooperation with Dept.. of Agriculture at Memphis April 2. 
Marketing, agricultural extension methods, raising of more and 
better live stock and puultry, dairying, fruit growing, infor- 
mation for hom3 seekers, farm credits, and cooperation of local 
organizations are among chief objects for consideration. 

2, Admn. Mar, 25 ordered commodity rate reductions on a number of 
articles of machinery and their parts for export through Pacif- 
ic ports to Japan, China, Australia, and the Philippine Islands 
from Missouri River territory and eastward, Reductions are 
specified and are said to rane;e between 15 and 75%< 

Shipping Board 1, In report of trip to Europe Chrm. Hurley stated that shipbuild- 
ing facilities acquired during war have made U. S, greatest 
potential maritime power of world. "There is every reason for 
believing that America has come back upon the ocean to stay, 
Mr. Hurley said. 

2. According to announcement by Board, reduction in the price of 
steel means not only a reduction in the cost of ships being 
built on certain contracts for Shipping Board, but is calculated 
to encourage shipbuilding industry of the nation. 



Federal Reserva 
Board 



Fuel Admn. 



Board's weekly statement showing condition of 771 member banks 
in about 100 selected cities, indicates aggregate increase of 
about $237,000,000 in holdings of U. S. securities following 
the placing of $542,000,000 cf Treasury Certificates in antici- 
pation of the Victory Loan, also large increases in demand 
and Government deposits* 

Admn. issues warning to effect that decreased demand for coal 
will cause falling off in production. Consumers are urged to 
store coal now while supply is plentiful. 



No. 86 



-3- 



March 2d, 1919 



Federal Board for 
Vocational Education At conference held in Washington Mar. 24 between Feaeral 

Board for Vocational Education and officials in charge of 
vocational education work in allied countries, reciprocal 
arrangements were effected for the vocational rehabilitation 
of disabled American soldiers who decide to remain permanently 
in Europe and of soldiers of allied armies returning to U.S. 
for residence. 



Aviation 



Demobilization 



Labor 



League of Nationa 



Trade Relations 



Assoc. Press dispatch from Ft. Worth Mar» 24 states that, 
under axitomatic control, an airplane capable of carrying a 
heavy load and without any human being aboard to guide it has 
made a trip of more than 100 miles and landed within very short 
distance of point it was sent to reach. 

Bill was reported in Massachusetts Legislature by Committee on 
Recoatruction providing for $100 bonus to every enlisted man 
and non-commissioned officer who served in war against 
Germany. 

Nat'l Women's Trade Union League has issued call for its 
sixth bi-ennial convention, which will be held in Philadelphia, 
beginning June 2. Coming convention, it is announced, will 
devote itself particularly to discussion of nev; problems of 
women workers as developed by war. 

John Barrett, Dir. Gen. of Pan- American Union, announced in 
New York Mar, 24 that a proposal to safeguard the Monroe 
Doctrine in the Loague of Nations by inserting in the League 
Covenant a clause recognizing the International Union of 
American Republics has been made to tne American delegation at 
Peace Conference, 

Announcement of the additional relaxation in British export 
embargoes is contained in British Board of Trade Journal Mar. 
13. 



Woman Suffrage 



Dispatch from St. Lcuis Mar, 24 states that Mrs. C. C. Catt, 
Pres. of Nat'l American Woman Suffrage Ass'n, in address be- 
fore Golden Jubilee convention of Assn. , announced organi- 
zation of a league of women voters to finish the fignt for 
woman suffrage and to aid in reconstruction work in Americ;. ... 



F OREIGN 
Labor 



Professional 



Advices from London Mar. 24 indicate that negotiations between 
Gov't. and Railroad men are proceeding smoothly. Most of the 
demands for men have been conceded in principle, 

Assoc. Press Correspondent in London states that an economic 
battle is being waged over 1,500,000 unemployed women of 
Britain who earned good wages chiefly as munitions workers 
during war. Women object to return to private life or to 
relinquishing opportunities of employment to returning soldiers. 

Assoc. Press correspondence from London states that man and 
woman doctors in London have set about to secure what they deem 
to be tneir rights through organization of a trade union. 
Union is being formed under direction of Medico-Political 
Union, and is for purpose of dealing witn Government througn 
latter 1 s. proposed Ministry of Health, 







/ '/kz^z-- 



COUNCIL OF NATIONAL DEFENSE 
Reconstruction Research Division 






Mar. 28, 1919. 



No. 87. 



DAILY DIGEST OF RECONSTRUCTION NE'TS 



International 1. 



Treasury -Dap t i 



Interior Dept. 



War Dept. 



2. 



Dispatch from Paris Mar. 25 states that (a) American Peace 
Delegation, it is understood, has definitely agreed upon the 
amendment it will offer to Article X of covenant of League of 
Nations to safeguard Monroe Doctrine (b) An .American Amend- 
ment to protect nation against influx of foreign labor was 
adopted by League of Nations Commission. It affirms right 
of any country in League to control matters solely within 
domestic jurisdiction. (c) Another important amendrient to 
League covenant affects Article VIII, which empowers ExeautiV 
Council to formulate a plan for reduction of armaments. 

Dispatch from Paris Mar. 25 states that Pres. Poincare has signed 
a decree abolishing post of French High Commissioner -at Washing- 
ton, ..pril 1, That part of organization which must be main*-' 
tained for few months longer will be placed under direct author- 
ity of various French departments. 

In report of v 'ar Finance Corp., issued Mar. 26, announced that 
Government's billion-dollar fund for financing foreign trade 
soon will be opened to American exporters through loans from 
Corporation. Regulations now being prepared to cover advances 
will provide for lending of sums up to $50,000,00© probably at 
5-|/£ for a maximum of five 3'ears on adequate collateral. 

Van H, Manning, Dir. of Bureau of Mines, stated Mar. 25 that 
a little less than 50,000,000 barrels of gasoline *vas produced 
in U. S. in 1916, while in '17 production was increased under 
spur of war's necessity to 68,000,000 barrels. In 1918 pro- 
duction of gasoline was over 85,000,000 barrels. 

1, Department announces that last of real American casualty lists 
in world war now are being published and within next few days 
lists will .-contain practically only names of those who have 
died or who have been injured since armistice. 

2, Department announces that in order to acquaint public .with Army 
demobilization system, it has been reviewed and analyzed by Deptt 
Complete statement appears in Official Bulletin, Mar. 24. 

3, Department announced Mar. 25 that an agreement had been reached 
with copper producers, under which approximately 100^000, 000 
lbs. of copper owned by Department will be disposed of during 
next 15 months at market prices, 



4. Department announced Mar. 25 that nearly $500,000,000 worth of 

aircraft contracts had been cancelled and suspended up to Mar. 19, 



No. 87 -2- Mop, 35, 1919. 



r ar Dept, 5. Department announces that Army camps to bo abandoned, including 

buildings, railroad tracks, sewage systems and other facilities 
arelto be sold to highest bidders and April 15 has been fixed 
as date for receiving bids. 

Navy Dept. 1. Department announced Mar. 36 that a commission consisting of 3 

naval officers, a mining engineer and a geologist will be sent 
to Alaska to plan the development of the Matanuska coal field. 

3, Acting Secretary Roosevelt announces that four submarine chasers 
have bean ordered to Alaakan wat3rs. The detachment in addition 
to assisting various departments of Government in carrying sup- 
plies and personnel will render assistance to vessels and na- 
tives in distress. 

Agriculture Dept. G. I. Cristie, Asst. Sec. of Agriculture, and Department's 

represantative on Inter-departmental Emergency Committee to 
coordinate agencies- interested in finding work for soldiers 
and aailcus, states' that the soldiers are returning to the farm 
and there are more than/million jobs on the farm awaiting the 
returning soldiers. 

Commerce Dept. 1. Bureau of Foreign and Domestic Commerce made public Mar. 25 

figures showing an increase of 50$ in the exports of bread 
stuffs in first 8 months of the fiscal year. 

2, Bureau of Foreign and Domestic Commerce shows in report recent- 
ly made public that foreign countries are making large use of 
• American silver. 

Labor Dept. 1. According to reports received from 132 cities for past week by 

U. S. Employment Service, a slight improvement in labor condi- 
tions throughout U. S« was shown. The number of cities report- 
ing a labor surplus remain about the same. 

2. Employers Industrial Commission designated by Sec. w ilson to 
study labor conditions in Europe has finished its investigation 
and is returning to U. S, Commission has spent two months in 
England =ind Franca studying methods used by Governments to deal 
with labor reconstruction problems. 

3. Information and Education Service announces immediate compila- 
tion of three reference books: (a) Complete and exhaustive re- 
port of work accomplished by Employers Industrial Comm'n, (b) 
Report of Governors and Mayors Conference held in rr asnington 
on Mar. 2, 3, 4 and 5, 1919. (c) The third book will concern 
Public u orks and Improvements and will include results of in- 
vestigations made by that division during its intensive cam- 
paign of past 2 months. 

Federal Reserve 

Board : Board's weekly bank statement indicates aggregate gains of 11.8 
millions in reserve, largely gold, and considerable gains in 
Government deposits, representing chiefly income tax collections 
due on Mar. 15. 



Mo. 8? -3- Mar. 26, 1919. 

Council of National 

Defense Dir. Clarkson received statement Mar. 25 from Mayors and State 
officials regarding state, municipal, and local activities 
concerning maintenance of U. S. Employment Service: Mayor Kitts, 
of Erie, Pa., advises of appointment of committee to call upon 
local War Chest Finance Board and ask what sum, if any, it will 
donate toward keeping intact local, Federal Labor Employment 
Bureau; Sec. to Gov. Withycombe of Oregon, writes that Commit- 
tees h^ve been working for months to assist returning soldiers. 
sailors and marines in securing employment, find will give labor 
problem sympathetic thought and attention at all times; P. Gilr 
bert, Chrm. Central Committee, Ga. Council of Defense, writes 
that Federal Employment Service in Georgia has been very satis- 
factory and that everything will be done to keep it going; 
Mayor Erickson of Minneapolis writes that he has appointed com- 
mittee to cooperate with U. S. Employment Service; M. P. Goodner, 
Dir, of Veterans Welfare Commission of Wash. State, offers 
closest cooperation between U. S. Employment Service and Com- 
mission; J. C MacFarland, Exelc. Sec. to Gov. of California, 
writes that they have free State Employment Bureaus in all 
principal cities which have been coordinating with Federal 
Service, and will take over added burden; Governor Philipp of 
Wisconsin writes that State has reliable arrangements for care 
of its labor and is maintaining employment bureaus in the larger 
cities. 

','ar Trade Board 1. Board announces, supplementing the ruling issued Feb. 15, 1919, 

which announced resumption of trade with the £eri'itory embraced 
within former boundaries of Turkish Empire, that trade will be 
restricted with and blockade still maintained against certain 
portions of Turkey. 

2. Board announces that it will forthwith discontinue publication 
of information relating to location of mine fields and other 
dangers to navigation as '.veil as information indicating routes 
and courses vessels should follow. Points out that these dan- 
gers still exist and that complete data can be obtained from 
Hydrographic Office. of Navy Dept. 

3. Board announces that, except those licenses for exportation to 
Norway, Sweden, Denmark and European Holland, all export li- 
censes issued on or after Nov. 15, 1918, and all export licen- 
ses "vhich were unexpired Nov. 15, 1918, will be valid until 
used, unless revoked. 

4. Board announces that it has been informed that proclamation of 
July 28, 1915, prohibiting importation of unset diamonds into 
United Kingdom has been revoked. 

Shipping Board At conference held Mar. 25 between Bhipping Board and represen- 
tatives of 34 yards in 13 states on Atlantic and Gulf coasts, 
plans were laid for winding up Government's var venture in 
wooden ships. 



No. 87 



-•±- 



March .35, 1919. 



A. F, of L, 



Labor 



Sec. B^rres of Metal Trades Dept., A, F. of L. , announced Mart 
£5 that no wage increases vri.ll be provided in new forking a;:ree 
ment to become effective next month between Pacific Coast 
shipbuilders and union metal trade workers* 

Dispatch from Passaic, N, J., Mar. 25, states that 13,000 wool- 
en workers, who have be^n on strike nearly 7 weeks., returned 
to work after mills had recognized their right to organise. 
Demands of strikers fof 44 hour week and 35$ increase in wages 
were not granted, although companies had previously reduced . 
their working hours from 55 to 48 hours weekly. Mills also 
reserve the right to conduct "open shop". 



F0S5IGN 
Communication 



Finance 



Trade 



1, 



a. 



Dispatch from Paris states that the expenditure of more than 
6.000,000,000 francs in the "organization of communication in 
northeastern France is planned by A. Claveille, Minister of 
Public Works « 

Cable to Journal of Commerce states that Bank of England has 
given to Government its entire large excess profits m-vde durinn 
war. 

Wall St. Journal Mar. 25 states that France will issue internal 
loan known as "the Loan of National Restoration". It will be 
offered at 95 with interest 5$. 

Belgian Government has abolished the requirement of licensesr 
for importation of malt and hops. 



COUNCIL OF NATIONAL DEFENSE 
Reconstruction Research Division 




No. 88 



DAILY DIGEST OP-REQDNS TRUCTION NEWS 



Mar. 27, 1919 



International 1. 



2. 



State Dept. 



War Dapt. 



Dispatch from London Mar. 26 says: "Tha Paris correspondent of 
Pail Hall- Gazette says, on high authority, that "in order to 
avoid perils which/would inevitably arise if preliminary 
peace terms are not drafted until such time as the various 
commissions shall have finished their labors and presented 
their respective reports, the representatives of great Powers 
have drawn up certain proposals which seam ample to constitute 
the basis of the first treaty, or one analogous to that signed 
at Vsrsailles in V671P) 

Dispatch from London Mir* 26 states that Edgar Caamrcdnd, a 
prominent British financial writer, estimates the direct cost 
of the war to the Allies at $141,800,000,000, and to the Cen- 
tral European Powers at $68,375,000,000. Estimates total cost 
of the war, including indirect losses, at $260,000,000,000. 
(Article in Wash. Post, Mar. 27, gives details of Mr. Cromiaond', 
findings. ) 

Acting Sec. Phillips announced Mar. 26 the organization of a 
"Coordinating Committee on Foreign Trade," which will include 
representatives of all the governmental offices which deal in 
any way with foreign trade matters, 

1. Department Mar. 26 disclosed plans for building up a larga 

Medical Reserve Corps, including all members of the profession 
who have sarvad creditably during the war. 



2. Department announces that official records of prisoners of war 
captured by the Cantral Powers from American Forces show that 
there are 156 prisoners whose status was still doubtful on 
Mar. 20. Racords show a total loss by American Army of 4,765 
military prisoners and 281 civilians. Of the military prison- 
ers 4,376 have been reported officially as released and 233 
died in German prison camps. 

Interior Dept. 1. Dept. announced Mar. 25 that John W, Hallowall, formerly of 

U. S. Food Admn, has baan named as Asst. to Sscretary of 
Intarior. 



2. 



Agriculture Dept. 



Comnarce Dept. 



Dept. announces that the gaophone, which proved to be obh of 
the greatast achievements of the war in detecting approach of 
enemy, trench, digging and in sacuring other information of 
value to tha Allies, is to be used in mining operations in 
this country. 

Forest Service states that lumber production* in U. 3. in 1918 
was 3,000,000,000 ft. under 1917 production. 

Members of Industrial Board of Dept. of Comnerce Mar. 26 re- 
ported progress toward probable rauuetioh in prices, after 
conferences with reprasentativas of coal, cement, building 
hardware, box board and glass industries. 



i. . : i 



No. 88 



-2- 



March 27, 1919 



labor Dept. 1. Department announces that next Congress will be asked to 

enact legislation necessary to establishment of a system of 
Federal Home Loan Banks. A tentative bill has been prepared 
and nailed to all officers and committers of U. S. League oi 
Building Associations and copies can be obtained from Division 
of Public Works and Construction Developments. 

2. Department announced Mar. 26 that with pledges of State, city 
and private funds still coming in U. S. Employment Service 
was assured the continued operation of 364 of its 750 local 
offices throughout country until Congress appropriates funds. 

3. Nat'l War Labor Board Mar. 26 awarded motormen and conductors 
of Wash. Rlwy. & ELec. Co. all important demands contended for, 



Federal Trade Ccmu'n. 



War Trade Board j. 1. 



2. 



Council of Nat'l 

Defense Chrm. Col. Arthur Woods of Emergency Employment Committee for 

Soldiers and Sailors, in letter sent Mar, 26 to Chambers cf 
Commerce of country, requests them to urge returning men to 
go to their own homes and take their former jobs if unable 
to secure better positions immediately. 

Commission charges conspiracy and federation togetner, so 
thct all competition has been eliminated and a monopoly es- 
tablished, against three concerns on the ground that they 
control the manufacture and sale of railway signal torches. 
They are cited to appear before the commission in Washington 
May 6. 

Beard announces that it has been informed that Belgian Gov't, 
has reimposed tae restriction upon the importation into 
Belgium of tobacco, whicn restriction was recently removed. 

Board announces that application will be considered for ex- 
portation of binder twine to Denmark if accompanied by 
necessary import certificate. 

R. R. Admn. Dir, Gen. Hines stated before Pittsburgh Traffic Club Mar. 26 

that despite the financial predicament of railroads, R. R. Admn 
plans to carry out as much of its improvement program as 
possible to keep labor employed and roads in repair. 

Fuel Admn. Eecause of fact that- clocks of the country will be moved for- 

ward one hour at 2 o'clock Sunday morning, Mar, 30, in com- 
pliance with "Daylight Saving" Law, Administration has called 
attention to estimates made last November that 1,250,000 tons 
of coal were s^ved during 7 months last year through operation 
of this law. 

American Red Cross 1. American Red Cross announced Mar. 26 that under its super- 
vision First Aid instruction for public school children is to 
be introduced in schools throughout country. Arrangements 
have been made for adding course to curriculum of schools of 
La., Miss., Ala., Calif., Wash., Alaska and N. Y. City. 
Plan has been endorsed in many other states. 



« • - . 1 



*\ ''.-». . "? 



No. 88 



-3- 



Mar. 27, 1919. 



American Red 
Cross 



Boy. Scouts 



Employment 



Rehabilitation 



l?oroen 



Bed Cross has received cablegram from European flslisf Admini- 
strator Hoover stating that so serious is the situation abroad 
regarding clothing that only the U. 3. can save the millions 
suffering from widespread garment shortage, 

Colin H. Livingston, Pres. of Boy Scouts of America, announced 

Mar. 26 that IV. G. McAdoo, former Sec. of Treasury, has agreed 
to act as chairman of a nation-wide campaign for increasing 
the scope and efficiency of the Boy Scout movement in this 
count ly . 

Idle University, through its recently established Department of 
Demobilization Employment, is seeking to find jobs for every 
one of the 8,000 Yale men who ^entered Government military and 
civil service during war. 

In order to meet the great demand for clothing in Poland, 
arrangments have be ?n made to send into that country large 
quantities of second hand uniforms, shoes, etc., all salvaged 
from U. S. Army. Polish Gov't, has agreed to pay fair prices 
for material as soon as credit can be arranged. 

Dispatch from St, Louis Mar, 26 announces, at convention of 
Nat'l American 'woman Suffrage Assn^ (a)Organization of a non- 
partisan, non-militant, and non-sectarian Roman's Voters' 
League, (b) Militant suffragists were arraigned bitterly for 
their public demonstration and denounced as obstructionists 
to success of .Amendment. 



FOREIGN 



Finance 



Labor 



Con, Gen. Lethher, at Christiania, reported Mar. 26 that for 
first time since November, 1915, the dollar is quoted above par 

in Nor ;ay. 

1. Dispatch from London Mar. 26 states that the Committee appointed 
by Inius trial Conference summoned by Premier Lloyd George in 
February last to consider causes of labor unrest and to inquire 
into question of hours and \ages has completed its report. 
Committee recommends establishment of a permanent industrial 
council . 

2, Dispatch from London Mar. 26 states that miners' conference has 
decided to recommend to its members that they accept the Sankey 
report for settlement of miners' demands on Government and that 
a ballot will be taken on question. 



COUNCIL OF NATIONAL HEIENSE 
Reconstruction Research Division Jf I o ^ ar ' ^ B ' ^""^ 

DAILY DJQfKSt^dF RECONSTRUCTION NET'S 
No. 89 




International !• In Assoc. Prassr dispatch from Paris Mar. 27 Pres. Wilson said: 

n ***The revised covenant is now practically finished. It is 
in the hands of a committee for the final process of drafting, 
and will almost immediately be presented a second time to the 
public. ***" 

2. Dispatch from Paris Mar. 27 states that it developed that un- 
expected obstacles had arisen concerning Monroe Doctrine amend- 
ment to League of Nations covenant, making it doubtful whether 
the amendment can be incorporated in the revised document. 

3. Dispatch from Paris states that W, N. Hughes, PremiQC.r of Aus- 
tralia stated Mar. 27, that he was unalterably in opposition to 

proposed Japanese racial equal' ity of amendment to covenant of 
League of Nations or to any fo.vm of it. '"Australia," said 
Mr. Hughes, "can not accept this proposal which strikes at the 
very root of the policy we have maintained so JLong, which is 
vital to our existence and which we have guarded as zealously 
as has America her Monroe Doctrine." 

Treasury Dept. 1, Department annoxinces that France was given a credit of 

$100,000,000 Mar. 27, and Gresce was given $3,858,000 additijna! 
This made total credits to France $2,617,477,000, to Greece 
$43,412,000 and a total for all Allies of $9,036,269,000. 

2. War Finance Corp. states that applications for advances are 
being filed with Corp. by a number of railroads under Federal 
control for purpose of obtaining funds to meet their Apr, 1 
requirements. 

3. Announcement is made that scores of informal applications for 
information or advances from individual exporting firms or rep- 
resentatives of export associations now being organized under 
Webb law have be^n received by War Finance Corp., which under 
Victory Liberty Loan Acttis authorized to advance $1,000,000,000 
to American exporters. 

War Dept, 1. Stated Mar. 28 tha,t Maj. Gen, Menoher, of Army Air Service, has 

been instructed to prepare necessary equipment, personnel and 
other facilities for experiments in cooperation with Dept. of 
Agriculture, in use of aircraft for forest fire patrol work. 

3. Department announces sales to foreign governments of more than 
$200,000,000 worth of surplus war supplies. Most of material 
went to France, whose purchases included smokeless powder, 
acids, copper, cannon and steel plates, for which $155,000,000 
was paid. 

Interior Dept. 1. A. P. Davis, Director, U. S. Reclamation Service, in special 

announcement to Euily Digest of Reconstruction News Mar. 27, 
states that over 25,000 inquiries have been received by Inter- 
ior Dept. from soldiers, sailors, and aarines concerning the 
plans of the Department to furnish employment and hemes for 
them on reclaimed land, provided the necessary funds ire made 
available by Congress. Additional inquiries are being 



No. 89 



-2- 



March 28, 1919 



Interior Dept. 



received at the rate of 500 or 600 a day. Illinois leads witn 
^,000 inquiries, follo«ved by New Xork with 1,400. Every state 
is represented, and, in addition, tne D, of C, Alaska, and 
Canada. 



Agriculture Dept.i. 



2. 



2. U. S. Geological Survey issues report giving estimates of re- 
cent coal production. (Outline in Official Bulletin, Mar. 26,. 
1919) 

A production of 314, y36 tractors in U. S. in 1919 is estimated 
by manufacturers reporting to Office of Faro Equipment Control. 
Reports obtained in a special inquiry by Department show a pro- 
duction of 132,697 tractors in 1918. 

Department announced Mar. 27 that estimate on basis of reports 
received from nearly 12,000 elevator, warehouse, grain mill and 
wholesale firms, show that commercial stocks of wheat were 3 
times as large on Mar. 1 as a year ago. The total reported 
amounted to 197,277,000 bushels, which is 308$ of 1918 stocks. 

Specialists of Bureau of Chemistry, who are investigating the 
drying of foods on a commercial scale, state that dehydrating 
food can be cade a successful commercial industry if the 
business is located where there is an abundant supply of fresh 
fruit and vegetables, and if sufficient technical skill is 
available to insure a high grade product. 

Bureau of Census announces that rules for appointment of the 
new Census force is outlined in a circular issued by the 
Director. Announces jobs for about 95,000. 

Speaking before Boston Chamber of Commerce, Mar. 28, A. W, 
Parker, law Officer of Bureau of Immigration, announced that 
the Bureau had drafted a tentative immigration law which would 
nave a number of radical provisions regarding the admission 
and stay of aliens in U. S. 

Children's Bureau states that in a study of rural cnildren in 
a lowland county in N. C. , where cotton is the principal crop, 
it was found that two thirds of the white and three-fourths of 
the negro children did all kinds of chores in addition to 
working in the cotton fields where there is prolonged exposure 
to sun. Children of all ages were in the field; 51 were under 
8 years of age and 120 vvere under 10. 

Federal Eoserve Board Board issues statement analyzing outlook for U. S. foreign 

commerce witn reference to readjustment, in Official Bulletin, 
Mar. <^7, 



Commerce Dept. 



labor Dept. 



1. 



2. 



Alien Property Custodian Alien Property Custodian Mar. 27 notified users of dyes, 

uhemicals, fertilizers, and other products originated by 
German science, that importations from Germany hereafter would 
be subject to prosecution as infringament of patents license 
under the Trading witu the Enemy Act for use by American 
manufacturers . 



89 -3- Mar. 28, 1919, 



Council of Nat'l 

Defense U. S. Council of Nat'l Defense publishes correspondence betwee 
President of U. S., Sic. Baker and Dr. :.nna Howard Shaw rslat- 
in," to resignation of members of the ''oman's Committee -mi dis 
solution of Committee, in Officio). Bulletin, Mar. 26. 

"\r Trade Board 1. Board announces that hereafter all applications for licensee to 

irana± dyes or dyestuffs must be accompanied by a statement 
giving complete specifications of the character of the dyes- or 
dyestuffs prorosed to be imported. 

2, Board announces that it has been informed that the Bulgarian 
Government nas prohibited importation into Bulgaria of 45 
commodities. Only exceptions to these prohibitions an that 
anv of such commodities may be imported by national institution; 
military authorities, or Fed Cress for own use<> 

3. Board announces that applications will now be considered for 
exportation ~of wheat flour to East Coast of Asia. 

Shipping Board Chairman Hurley in speech before National Marine Leacue, Mar. 27. 

presented as his plea for peace-time operation of Government - 
built fleet, private ownership of the great merchant marine 
which h s be3n built by America under the stimulus of war, with 
such Governmental r egulati on as would prevent watered stock anc 1 
assure the use of the vessels on trade routes promoting the 
general welfare of the nation, 

Am. Library Ass'n. Council of Nat'l Defense received from Am. Library Ass'n. Mar, 

37: (a) "Your Job Back Home; a Eook for Lien Leaving the Service 
Edited by J. L. V-heeler, Contains suggestive cartoons, posters 
lists of vocational books, with other inspirational data v&ich 
may be of service to returning soldiers seeking employment. 

(b) Reconstruction Hospital List of Books on Subjects Taught 
in Reconstruction Hospitals. A 108 page catalogue of books on 
technical subjects, from which librarians may select special 
works needed by soldier patients. Approximately 135 subjects 
are covered in catalogue. 

Labor According to r sports received by Nat'l "oman's Trade Union 

League, at its Washington office, more than 80,000 women office 
workers have joined trade organizations durinr pait year. These 
are for most part stenographers, clerks, accountants, etc., 
in railroad offices throughout country, and in various branch : 
of Federal Civil Service. 

Woman Suffrage Dispatch from St. Louis Mar. 27 states that Nat'l American 

'■'oman Suffrage Ass'n. will become League of ''oman Voters folio*. 
ing national convention of Association in February, 1930, the 
new name having been selected in Jubilee Convention. It is 
assumed by Ass'n. that Federal Amendment will have been passed 
by that time . 



' ...■.;. 




COUNCIL OF NATIONAL DEFENSE 
Reconstruction Research Division f[2> March 29, 1919 

DAILY DIGEST OF RECONSTRUCTION NEWS 
No* 90 V 



Treasury Dept. i. 



Sec. Glass, Mar. 29,/ announced terms of payment in Victory 
Liberty Loan. These are more liberal than upon any of the 
previous loans. 



2, Stated that advances by !Var Finance Corp. to keep the rail 

transportation system of the country in operation until Centres? 
can make necessary appropriations have reached a total of near- 
ly $135,000,000. 

War Dept. 1- Department has prepared an immediate call for 50,000 volunteers 

for service in Europe and it will probably be published Mir. 29. 
Enlistment in this special force will be for three years. 

2. Surgeon General's report for week ending Mar. 21 states that 
health conditions in the army at home and abroad continue very 
satisfactory. 

3, Statistical report prepared by General Staff Mar. 28 snows that 
46$ of the commissioned officers who were en the army lists 
Nov. 11, 1918, had been discharged on Mar. 20 last. Greatest 
reduction was in tne Chemical Warfare Service, 83/o of its 
commissioned personnel having been released. 

Commerce Dept. 1» Report of Bureau of Foreign and Domestic Commerce shows unusual 

growth of trade between U. S. and Oceania. In first eight 
months of fiscal year, Oceania took $135,880,769 worth of ex- 
ports from this country, as compared witn $53,906,806 in same 
period last year, and sold U. S. goods valued at $139,871,602, 
an increase of $62,000,000 over last year. 

Labor Dept. 1, Department states that propaganda of lawlessness in public 

schools will be combated by Bureau of Naturalization, in co- 
operation .with other organizations of Federal Government, 
through citizensnip classes in public schools. At present 
more than 750,000 persons are being reached annually, through 
the classes for foreign-born. More than 2,000 cities and towns 
are cooperating in the work, and more than 20,000 classes have 
been established. In several cities entire scnool buildings 
have been turned over to citizenship work. There are 8 citizen- 
ship classes in Washington alone. 

2. Dept. states that there will be no unemployment this year in 
State of Utah if getting under way road building and public 
improvements can prevent it. State legislature has increased 
road bond issues $1,000,000 tnereby giving legislative sanction 
to a $4,000,000 road program, exclusive of Federal aid. 



90 -2- M ar. 29, 1919. 



Labor Dept. 3. Dept. states that development of its Labor Adjustment Service 

which also embraces the functions of mediator and conciliator 
in labor disputes, is shaping the new road that industry is 
taking in the settlement of wages questions and in fixing the 
conditions of employment. States that Service provides means 
for jarties- in dispute to c^.me together and talk over the toints 
upon which .they differ and to offer suggestions creating new 
resources when metnods tried are apparently about to fail. 

4. Bureau of Public Works and Construction Development announces 
that "Own Your Own Home" campaigns have been inaugurated in 18 

» cities. 

5. Article in Monthly Labor Review for March states that wholesale 
prices in U. S, showed a downward trend with beginning of new 

) year, the Bureau of Labor Statistics weighted index number stand 

ing at .202 for January <*s compared with 206 for December, 1918. 

6. according to article in Monthly Labor Review for March, an 
hour's wages in 1918 purchased but 79$ as much food as in 1913, 
and a weekSs wages but 77$ as much. As compared with 1907, an 
hour's wages in" 1918 bought but 72$ as much food, and a week's 
wages but 69$ as much food, 

Trade Relations 1. Wall Street Journal, Mar. 27, states that 0. W. Smith, Chairman 

of Fdreign Trade Committee of American Drug Mfrs. Assoc, says 
prospects for foreign tradd in American drugs are brignt. Many 
chemicals formerly made exclusively by Germany are now made here 
and it will be two years before Germany can rebuild her selling 
organizations. 

2. Wall Street Journal, Mar, 27, announces that Council of Foreign 
) Relations has called meeting for April 2 at Metropolitan Slub, 

Hew York, of leading bankers of W. Y. , Chicago, Philadelphia, 
Boston, St. Louis and Detroit to make arrangements for the vast 
amount of securities -Hies and neutral countries are expected 
to sell in connection with their merchandise purchases in U.S. 

Aviation Writer in Washington Post, Mar. 29, says: "Ere long every 

government, first and foremost that of U. S., will be compelled 
to follow example just set by Great Britain in creating an air 
police force, to work in close conjunction with ordinary police, 
the customs and military and naval services. " Article outlines 
scope of work now being carried on under General Sykes, Chief 
Constable of new air police force of Great Britain. 

Demobilization Miss Margretta Fort, daughter of former Governor of New Jersey, 

Chairman of Camp Recreational ,f ork of New Jersey Council of 
Defense, speaking Mar. 28 before District of Columbia "cman's 
Liberty Loan Committee, stated that in her work at 15 soldiers' 
* clubs at or near the various camps and hospitals in her State, 

she has observed that all the men are coming back with higher 
ideals, and one and all they express a desire to engage in bette 
work than they performed before the war. 



Wo. SO -3- Iflarch 39, 191 'i 



Labor Dispatch from London Mar. 27 states that according to Paris 

correspondent of London Ebdly Hews the first international 
labor conference to take place in Washington, in October, 
will be attended by c-bout 200 Britisn representatives of labor 
and employers, along with experts. 

Soviet Representative Dispatch from New York Y&v* 23 states that ;iore than 3,000 

socialists and Bolshevist sympathizers assembled there last 
night to welcome L» A, C. K, itirtens, self-announced commercial 
representative of the Russian soviet government in U. S. 

Woman Suffrage National American Woman Suffrage Association passed resolutions 

at convention in St, Louis, Mar. 28, indorsing League of 
Nations and urging U. S. Government "to bring about the prompt 
redress of all legitimate grievances" as a safeguard against 
revolution by violence. Other resolutions passed included one 
urging the establisnment at Washington of a National Department 
of Education with a Secretary of Education in the Cabinet. 

FOREIGN 

British Socialism Dispatch from London, War. 28, states that at a meeting of 

executive body of National Socialist Party and the Socialist 
Members of Parliament a resolution was unanimously adopted 
urging tne completion of a preliminary pec*ce at earliest 
possible moment "in view of the chaos and anarcny developing 
throughout Europe as a consequence of delay in fixing terms 
of peace". 

Daylight Saving Dispatch from Ottawa, War, 27, states that tne House of Com- 

. mons defeated by a vote of 105 to 51 a motion to reanact last 
year's Daylight Saving Act. 

Labor Dispatch from London, War. 27, states that tne delegates to 

the National Union of Railwayment decided to accept offer of 
Government for settlement of their demands. The strike re- 
solution was rescinded by tne conference. 

Trade Acting Prime Minister Watt of Australia states that that 

country will revise her tariff laws in near future looking to 
development of her industries. Says great war has taught 
Australia many lessons, among them that commonwealth's 
geograpnic isolation and long ocean haulings make it necessary 
to develop along more self-reliant lines. 



COUNCIL OF NATIONAL DftFEtTSE 

Reconstruction Research Division 

DAI 
No. 91 




•;'■ 



arch 31, 1919. 



EOT OF ^.CONSTRUCTION NETS 



International 



Treasury Sept. 1. 



War Dept. 



Interior Dept. 



Dispatch from Paris/Mar. 29 states that Commission on Inter- 
national Labor Le^slation has concluded report and has 
drafted clauses for insertion in the treaty of peace. Both 
in its report and in clauses drafted there is shown a con- 
stant care to remedy economic disabilities of woman and child 
labor. 

Through Government's Savings Directors of twelve Federal Reserv 
Districts, Savings Division of Department has called on normal 
scnools, and universities of country to aid in government 
campaign to make thrift a habit. American Council on Educa- 
tion, representing institutions of higher learning has joined 
with Savings Division to secure cooperation of schools. 

2, More than $10,000,000 in loans to railroads Mar. 29 brought 
total advances furnished by War Finance Corp. to £145,000,000. 

1. Retention of na£es of 14 National Guard and National Army 
divisions with brilliant war records in permanent military 
establishment has been announced by Gen. March, 

3. Gen. Pershing has advised War Dept. that there are still 5,500 
officers and men of A. E. F. missing. This compares with 
161.800 British and 390,000 French missing. 

3. Department announced Mar. 39 that ordnance contracts for Army 
cancelled or suspended up to Mar. 6 aggregated $2,185,240,000, 
according to revised fig-ares. 

4. Stated in press of Mar. 31 that under new scheme which is tak- 
ing final form at Arm? Par College, all boys on attaining age 
of 19 years will be summoned for military training in permanent 
cantonnent6 under draft system similar to that e-nployed during 
war. There will be exemptions for educational, business and 
family reasons. 

5. Sec. Baker states that members of a delegation of prominent 
Filipinos who will see Mr. Baker on April 3 are expected to 
preoent a petition for complete independence of Philippine 
Islands. 

Interview with Dr. P. P. Claxton, Commissioner of Education, 
on "Education a Problem for Nation to Solve" published in 
Wash. Star, Mar. 30 (File) 



Agriculture Dept.l. Department announced Mar. 29 that to prevent interference witb 

rush of spring work Government has decided to take 14th census 
of farms beginning Jan. 1, 1920, instead of April 15, as in 
years past. 

2. Bureau of Markets reports that less wool was used by manufact- 
urers last February than in any month since monthly report:: 
have been issued by Bureau. 



I 



I 



1 . 



No. 91 



-2- 



March 31, 1919. 



Comnerce Dept. 



Labor Dept-. 



Wash. Star Mar. 30 contains comprehensive article on Bursau of 
Foreign and Domestic Commerce as reorganized to help trade in 
a big way. (File) 

1. U. S, Employment Service announces Mar, 31 that count ry-wide 
support of women's division of U. S. Employment Service pro- 
vides' already 135 offices that will keep their doors open to 
self- supporting women, 

2. In first talk with representative of press since return from 
abroad j E. T. Gundlach, head of Industrial Commission seat to 
Europe by Department of Labor to study reconstruction condi- 
tions, said that unemployment is the greatest problem the U.S. 
and other countries must solve. 



3, 



Aviation 



Drug Restriction 



Merchant Marine 



According to .estimate made by E. S. Hege, Mgr. of U. S, Home 
Registration Service, over 3 0,000 war workers were housed in 
homes of Washington during war. 

Dispatch, from New York states that Capt. U. d'Annunsio, Italian 
aviator, announced Mar, 39 that he had designed and begun manu- 
facture of "flivver' 1 airplanes so small as to be capable cf 
landing on almost any country road and designed to sell for 
$1,250. 

Dispatch from i-lbany, N. Y, ? Mar. 30 states that Mayors and 
health officers of every municipality in State have been asked 
in letter by State Narcotic Drug Commission to take steps im- 
mediately to establish local clinics at which drug users may b3 
treated by physicians to be named by authorities of the sever- 
al political subdivisions. 

Sen.-. L. Jones, who will be Chrm. of Committee on Comnerce in 

next Congress, contributes article on "Strong Merchant ferine 

Necessary for Welfare of Nation as whole. !, to Wash. Star, ?ap, 
30 (File) 



Science 



Trade Relations 






Tuberculosis 



V.'omen 



Announced in New York Mar. 30 that an appropriation had been 
made by Rockefeller Foundation of $500,000 to promote fundament- 
al research in physics and chemistry. 

Dispatch from Mexico City Mar, 39 says: "That Japanese corn cor- 
porations have been granted concessions to exploit agricultur- 
al lands ih Lower California 'was the statement made tod-y by 
Gen. Amado Aguirre, Undersecretary of Development and Agricul- 
ture . " 

v b. H. Baldwin, Treasurer of TT at'l Tuberculosis Ass : n., and 
Chrm. of D, of C. Council of Defense, contributes paper on 
"Tuberculosis " r ar, an Army Problem." 

For the first time in history of Harvard University, a woman 
has been appointed to faculty. She is Dr. Alice Hamilton, 
who goes from Chicago to be assistant rrofessor of Industrial 
Medicine. 



No. 91 -3- March 31, 1919. 



> 

FO REIGN 

Finance A proclamation was issued in London Mar, 27 prohibiting, sxcopi 
■under license issued by Treasury, importation into United King* 
dom, of all ruble notes other than those issued 'oy Financial 
Dept» of the Provisional Govt, of North Russia at Archangel. 

Ford A decree issued by French Govt. Mar. 29 permits the baking of 

fresh pastry. Use of bread flour in baking biscuits and pastry 
also will be permitted hereafter. 

Labor Dispatch from Copenhagen Mar. 29 states that in Ruhr region 

30,000 men are out* 

Navy Dispatch from London Mar. 29 states that: "Reuter ? s is authori- 

tatively informed that the post-war distribution of the British 
Navy will be a home fleet of 7 foreign squadrons stationed in 
the Atlantic, V/est Atlantic, China, So. Africa, So. America, 
Fast Indies and the Mediterranean." 









< 






Oeacidified using the Bookkeeper proce 
Neutralizing agent: Magnesium Oxide 
Treatment Date: JUN 2001 

PreservationTechnologii 

A WORLD LEADER IN PAPER PRESERVATI 

111 Thomson Park Drive 
Cranberry Township. PA 1 6068 

(7241 779-2111 



